Affinity Groups
oSTEM strives to make visible and give voice to the underrepresented people within the LGBTQ+ STEM community. We believe that by connecting you with each other, with mentors and resources, and by showcasing you and your accomplishments within broader STEM spaces, we can improve representation.
Currently, the Diversity and Inclusion team hosts seven affinity groups and three working groups. The affinity groups are: Ace/Aro, (Dis)Ability, InQUEERy, Middle Sexualities, Race and Ethnicity, Trans and Non-Binary, and Womxn. The three working groups that we have are: (Dis)Ability, Beyond the Binary, and Black & Queer. We are always working to improve and would love to know if your identity is not being represented. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can improve representation!
We invite you to join any number of our affinity groups based on your intersecting identities. Please refer to descriptions below for clarity and use the links provided to express your interest in joining. *Note that your information is private and we will never share it without your consent. We require that individuals’ identities align with the affinity group for the safety and comfort of all members.
If you have any additional questions, please email AJ at aj.bryant@ostem.org
We welcome you and are so happy you are here!
Affinity Groups:
Ace/Aro:
The Ace/Aro affinity group connects all aspecs and questioning aspecs in support and affirmation. Ours is a space to recharge from an amatonormative society, discuss micro labels and attraction, and celebrate the beauty and diversity the aspec community holds.
(Dis)Ability:
(Dis)Ability aims to provide a space for those with visible and invisible adversities and disabilities to come together and discuss ways to manage and overcome them. We discuss ability in education, the workplace, and in STEM, as well as how our lived experiences are impacted. By sharing our experiences and talking through ways to accommodate, self-advocate, and educate others, we come together to demonstrate that we’re more than just our (Dis)Abilities.
Join (Dis)Ability Affinity Group
InQUEERy:
InQUEERy is a space in which oSTEM members can: EXPLORE notions of belief, faith, and philosophy; QUESTION these notions in critical and respectful ways; and CREATE dialogues that unify us in our differences. This group is open to any members in search of meaningful ways to be QUEER and engage their SPIRITUALITY.
Middle Sexualities:
The Middle sexualities affinity group provides a space for all who don't necessarily fit in to gay, lesbian, or straight boxes. Whether you are bi, pan, poly, queer, asexual, aromantic, or any one else who may fall under the term middle sexualities, you are welcome here.
Join Middle Sexualities Affinity Group
Race and Ethnicity:
Race and Ethnicity is designed for people of color to have their voices heard. It offers a safe space to share similar experiences. Encourage community discussions, and build a network.
Join Race and Ethnicity Affinity Group
Trans and Non-Binary:
This affinity group is for Trans, Non-Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Intersex people, and anybody who is questioning their gender identity. It offers a safe space to meet others with shared identities and experiences, to ask and answer questions, to celebrate our achievements, to build a supportive network, and to advocate for greater visibility.
Join Trans and Non-Binary Affinity Group
Womxn:
This affinity group is for all people who identify as womxn. We discuss gender as it relates to womxn in education, the workplace, and in STEM, as well as how our lived experiences are impacted. By sharing our experiences and talking through ways to accommodate, self-advocate, and educate others, we come together to demonstrate that our gender does not limit us, particularly in STEM. This is a safe space to meet others with shared identities and experiences, to ask and answer questions, to celebrate our achievements, to build a supportive network, and to advocate for greater visibility.
Working Groups:
Beyond the Binary Working Group:
The Beyond the Binary working group strives to inform, provide resources, and support for events such as the Gender Affirmation Symposium.
Join Beyond the Binary Working Group
Black and Queer Working Group:
The Black and Queer working group’s goal is to provide information, resources and support in regards to Black issues, the intersection of being Black and queer, and more.
Join Black and Queer Working Group
Queer Enabled Working Group:
The Queer Enabled working group aims to inform policy and procedure which influences accommodation and accessibility within oSTEM programming, including the annual conference and chapter-led events.