LGBTQ+

About the Committee

The ASCB LGBTQ+ Committee was formed in 2015 to assess, promote, and ensure the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members in the Society. One goal is to provide career advice to the ASCB LGBTQ+ community. This acronym represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, others, and allies. The Q can also mean questioning. This is a broad group of people, including those with diverse sexual and romantic orientations, diverse gender identities and gender expressions, and those with non-binary biological sex. Many terms are used to describe our community, and some are considered offensive. Check out this list from GLAAD to see which terms are safe to use. ASCB promotes safe and inclusive environments: View ASCB’s Workforce Diversity Statement and Anti-Harassment Policy.    

Signature Programs

  • Ben Barres LGBTQ+ Diversity Session at the ASCB|EMBO Meeting. The session blends science and career advice/networking with a renowned cell biologist and member of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • The LGBTQ+ Ally Session is the complement to the Ben Barres LGBTQ+ Diversity Session. It is designed to expand the support network for underrepresented groups by engaging, encouraging, and educating allies for LGBTQ+ scientists as part of a broader goal of increasing diversity and improving opportunities for LGBTQ+ scientists.
  • LGBTQ+ Speaker List: This is a list of ASCB members who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community (including students, postdocs, faculty etc). This list will help us build the LGBTQ community of cell biologists, as well as identify potential speakers from our community. If you are interested in joining this list, please send an email to aedwards@ascb.org

Member Criteria

All are welcome to join.

Committee Resources

  • National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) A professional society and supporter of the ASCB task force that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a strong advocacy for career development, peer support and networking, and many scientific and technological fields. They have meetings every two years, and a series of programs year-round, including scholarships and awards to recognize LGBTQ+ advocates in STEM.
  • Facebook Group: Gay/Lesbian/Queer Cell Biologists
  • Queering in STEM webinar with Lauren Esposito. Join in a very important discussion about LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) and hear about the importance of being out and proud for yourself and others! Dr. Esposito will discuss her career trajectory and why she decided to create a successful grassroots movement, called 500 Queer Scientists (www.500queerscientists.com), and how trainees, faculty and staff can be agents of change in their institutions.

News from the LGBTQ+ Committee

Connect with the LGBTQ+ Committee Online

Instagram handle: celllgbtq
Twitter handle: @CellLgbtq

Interested in Applying?

Applications for 2024 are now closed.

Staff Contact Info

Please email  info@ascb.org for questions regarding the LGBTQ+ Committee.