Our partner organization, Queer and Trans in STEM (QTSTEM), was formed by Andrea O’Riordan, Jeremy Engels, Hannah Friedman, and Robert N. Ulrich. They wanted to create a space for LGBTQ+ identifying people and other identity-based STEM organizations to build a community of support and encouragement within the cis-heteronormative environment that pervades STEM and beyond. QTSTEM currently has about 200 members on UCLA’s Campus and collaborates with other organizations in Southern California, Virginia, and Europe.
The events and programs QTSTEM organize and collaborate on address academic, professional development, and social needs. QTSTEM regularly facilitates discussions revolving around the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ identifying people in STEM. This past year they sent members to the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Out-To-Innovate career summit.