Best practices for LGBTQ+ inclusion during ecological fieldwork: Considering safety, cis/heteronormativity and structural barriers

LGBTQ+ individuals face unique barriers to participation in ecology. Such barriers are particularly relevant during fieldwork, including physical and discriminatory risks, increased isolation and noninclusive infrastructure. To make science and fieldwork more accessible to LGBTQ+ people, we must con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of applied ecology 2023-03, Vol.60 (3), p.393-399
Main Authors: Coon, Jaime J., Alexander, Nathan B., Smith, Emmett M., Spellman, Madeleine, Klimasmith, Isaac M., Allen‐Custodio, Lucas T., Clarkberg, Thea E., Lynch, Loren, Knutson, Douglas, Fountain, Kae, Rivera, Michael, Scherz, Maxine, Morrow, Leslie K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Best practice
Bisexual
Bisexuality
cisnormativity
Ecology
Fieldwork
heteronormativity
inclusive fieldwork
LGBTQ+ scientists
queer
Safety
structural barriers
trans
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Summary:LGBTQ+ individuals face unique barriers to participation in ecology. Such barriers are particularly relevant during fieldwork, including physical and discriminatory risks, increased isolation and noninclusive infrastructure. To make science and fieldwork more accessible to LGBTQ+ people, we must consider safety and survival needs along with personal LGBTQ+ affirmation. In this paper, we discuss alleviating barriers to participation in field ecology, identify best practices for institutions and provide advice for LGBTQ+ field researchers and heterosexual advocates. Synthesis and applications. We recommend that mentors and institutions take action on the safety, financial, medical and administrative support needed by field researchers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or other marginalized gender and sexual identities (LGBTQ+) field researchers. We also suggest that LGBTQ+ field ecologists prioritize their wellbeing and safety, and recommend maintaining connection to LGBTQ+ communities and identities during isolating fieldwork. We recommend that mentors and institutions take action on the safety, financial, medical and administrative support needed by field researchers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or other marginalized gender and sexual identities (LGBTQ+) field researchers. We also suggest that LGBTQ+ field ecologists prioritize their wellbeing and safety, and recommend maintaining connection to LGBTQ+ communities and identities during isolating fieldwork.
ISSN:0021-8901
1365-2664
DOI:10.1111/1365-2664.14339