Systemic inequalities for LGBTQ professionals in STEM

Researchers have documented race and gender inequality in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for decades. Do lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) professionals face parallel experiences of disadvantage in STEM? Using representative survey data from 21 STEM professional societies (N-sample = 25,324; N-LGBTQ = 1006), this paper presents multidimensional and methodologically robust documentation of 5 dimensions of LGBTQ inequality in STEM. Controlling for variation by demographic, discipline, and job factors, LGBTQ STEM professionals were more likely to experience career limitations, harassment, and professional devaluation than their non-LGBTQ peers. They also reported more frequent health difficulties and were more likely to intend to leave STEM. These trends were similar across STEM disciplines and employment sectors. We found no differences by LGBTQ status in education level, work effort, or job commitment. These findings reveal LGBTQ status as a clear axis of inequality in STEM and motivate further research into the mechanisms producing such outcomes.

Automated summary

The study documents LGBTQ inequality in STEM, showing that LGBTQ professionals are more likely to face career limitations, harassment, professional devaluation, health difficulties, and intention to leave STEM. These trends are consistent across different STEM disciplines and sectors, highlighting LGBTQ status as a clear axis of inequality in STEM.