LGBTQ+ Astronomy

The LGBTQ+ Astronomy network ~Intergaylactic~ welcomes members from all academic levels in the Astronomy department (undergrads, grads, postdocs, research scientists, staff, and faculty). Invitations to join the LGBTQ+ lunch or dinner are advertised broadly a couple of times a year. You may contact the DEI committee anytime if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

more info

* Support for networking lunches in 2017-20 comes from Rackham Faculty Ally for Diversity Grant.

General resources for LGBTQ+ on campus:

  • Rackham guide for LGBTQ+ students: this page maintains links to campus centers, groups, societies, and resources (not limited to students).

  • Spectrum Center The Center humbly works toward enhancing the campus climate and support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and faculty at the University through education, advocacy, and community building.

  • University of Michigan OUTlist

  • Astronomy Outlist

  • AAS Committee for Sexual-Orientation and Gender Minorities in Astronomy (SGMA.aas.org) and on the AAS site ; SGMA's Resources to Share

  • Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM): -- a really active student group, both undergrad and grad.

  • The University of Michigan LGBT Faculty Alliance (UMFA)

Want to be an ally?

Don't expect your queer colleague to educate you on LGBTQ+. Let us help!

  • To learn about non-binary gender identity, gender expression, sexual and emotional attraction, start here with the "gender unicorn" by transstudent.org.

  • Want to understand gender fluidity? Read this post by astronomer Dr. JJ Eldridge

  • Read this interview with Dr. Jane Rigby, on what it's like to be a queer astronomer, coming out in the workplace, climate, same-sex marriage, and more.

  • Read this post and this post on being a transgender astronomer, by Dr. Jessica Mink

  • Here's a website about personal pronouns and why they matter. If you want to list your pronouns in your email signature, website, etc., there are some nice subpages you can direct people to for more info. Having allies advertise their pronouns helps normalize the idea that gender is not a fixed, obvious trait.

  • Read the LGBT+ Inclusivity in Physics and Astronomy: A Best Practices Guide, "written for those who want to become aware of the concerns and extra burdens facing members of the LGBT+ community in their professional lives, and to provide a set of best practices to mitigate them, creating a safe and welcoming work environment." A Joint Publication of LGBT+ Physicists and SGMA.