Queer- and trans-inclusive faculty hiring-A call for change

Area of Science:

• Academic Inclusion
• Diversity in STEM
• Higher Education Policy

Background:

• Systemic barriers disproportionately affect queer and trans scientists.
• Underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in academic faculty positions is a significant issue.
• Current faculty hiring practices may perpetuate exclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the challenges faced by queer and trans scientists.
• To advocate for changes in academic faculty hiring.
• To provide actionable guidance for creating inclusive hiring processes.

Main Methods:

• This is a Perspective piece, not an empirical study.
• It involves critical analysis of current academic hiring.
• It synthesizes experiences and proposes solutions.

Main Results:

• Queer and trans scientists encounter numerous systemic barriers.
• These barriers contribute to their limited presence in faculty roles.
• Concrete strategies can foster more inclusive hiring.

Conclusions:

• Academic institutions must reform faculty hiring to be more equitable.
• Implementing inclusive practices is crucial for diversifying STEM.
• Supporting queer and trans scientists benefits the entire scientific community.