Queersinscience

The vision of QIS is to foster and champion inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people within STEMM organisations. QIS recognises that welcoming and valuing LGBTQIA+ professionals and students is beneficial to both individuals and the organisation. Our association is proudly hosted by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. The QIS vision is supported and driven by five cornerstones- Visibility to empower LGBTQIA+ people in STEMM, and to showcase the important contributions that members of the LGBTQIA+ community make to STEMM in Australia- Advocacy to promote safe and inclusive STEMM workplaces for all LGBTQIA+ people including implementation of best practice policies. Our sector-specific perspectives and lived experiences advise research institutions, universities, government, and NFPs to inform decision making, service delivery, reporting, data collection, and more - Community to provide the opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people in STEMM to engage in social and professional networking in a safe and inclusive environment, and to establish a culture that encourages a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ people in STEMM- Education to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ experience in STEMM and the roles that STEMM organisations and colleagues play in creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, by debunking stereotypes and providing resources that help implement inclusive policies, language, terminology, and pronouns- Intersectionality to prioritise the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in STEMM facing compounding types of discrimination on the basis of belonging to multiple marginalised communities. By acknowledging First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their unique place in the community; and embracing LGBTQIA+ people of diverse ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, disabilities, religions, ages and gender identities.