Investigating lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) visibility and climate in the natural sciences

Increasing the diversity of students in science is a major topic of discussion in science education literature. Much of the focus is on scientists with visible diversities, such as gender or ethnicity. There is little research on individuals with invisible diversities, such as identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). LGB individuals continue to remain unstudied in the sciences. Several studies have measured the campus climate for LGB students and faculty, but few have looked at student and faculty's awareness of the presence of LGB faculty in their science departments. To address this, I investigated the LGB visibility and climate for LGB students in the natural sciences. Specifically, I will share insights about LGB visibility that was obtained through an online, anonymous survey with students and faculty in four natural science departments: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics. Furthermore, based on this initial exploration of LGB visibility in the natural sciences, I have recommendations for administrators, faculty and future studies. This survey study has the potential for LGB faculty and administrators to address the issue of LGB visibility and climate in their science departments.