Representation is Lacking for Gender Nonconforming Scientists
Academic studies and social movements have begun to recognize the limitations of the gender binary — a framework that categorizes humans as either men or women — but STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields have historically adhered to the binary, subsequently excluding gender nonconforming individuals both as research subjects and scholarly contributors.
The landscape of academic research has seen a transformative shift over the last two decades, motivated by a rise of diverse voices, an increase in inclusionary policies, and an emphasis on pipeline programs for those interested in STEM careers. But the field, which continues to be male-dominated, routinely disregards identities that exist outside the binary.
Gender nonconforming individuals challenge expressions of identity based on sex assigned at birth. They might embrace unique styles or identify with gender categories that differ from conventional notions of male or female. The rigidity of the gender binary creates an exclusionary environment that has persisted through institutional practices, societal biases, and cultural attitudes prioritizing adherence to gender expectations. As a result, many gender nonconforming researchers have faced barriers to career advancement, leadership opportunities, and equitable treatment in academic and professional settings.
“Historically, certain scientific approaches and institutions were targeted by people who had ideological antagonisms to the idea of sex and gender diversity. … we look back on that now as a ‘dark history,’ but I don’t think the scientific community has really grappled with it,” said Simón(e) Sun, neuroendocrinologist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, in an interview with Science.org.
Current Representation
According to research by Elsevier, an academic publishing and analytics firm based in the Netherlands, the proportion of active women researchers increased globally from 28% in 2001 to 41% by 2022. In the United States, the trend mirrors global strides, with the number of women researchers climbing from 30% at the turn of the millennium to 42% today.
To compile this extensive report, Elsevier employed advanced AI algorithms to analyze data from approximately 20 million researchers cataloged in Scopus — a database encompassing peer-reviewed journals, books, and conference proceedings. The algorithms, relying on binary gender categories, inferred the genders of the journal authors, not only demonstrating the ongoing gender disparities between men and women in the field but also illustrating the absence of consideration for identities beyond these two categories.
A 2021 study by multinational market research and consulting firm Ipsos provides insight into the prevalence of individuals whose identities extend beyond traditional binary classifications. In 27 countries surveyed, 1% of respondents aged 16–74 identified as transgender, non-binary/nonconforming/gender-fluid, or otherwise identified as something other than male or female, with variations among age groups: 4% among those born after 1997 and 2% among those born between 1981 and 1997.
The Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing at Northwestern University is advancing research to better understand and accommodate diverse identities. Coinciding with the publication of Elsevier’s research in June 2024, the institute released their report “Inclusion and Advancement of LGBTQ+ People in STEM Fields.”
In the report’s introduction, director of the institute, Brian Mustanski, PhD, addresses colleagues and peers “who have the power to make changes great and small in academia, educational institutions, STEM organizations, and funding agencies,” saying that, “I hope you consider the evidence put forward and take action to create an inclusive and representative STEM community.”
Effects of Underrepresentation
Being ambiguously gendered fosters a heightened awareness of how interactions conform to a dualistic understanding of gender, which individuals whose identities align closely with societal norms may not perceive. Jess McLaughlin, an evolutionary biologist and genomics researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told Science.org, “There’s this expectation … that you should be able to go anywhere to pursue opportunities. That’s not realistic for a wide range of people, but it’s particularly limiting when there are laws on the books that classify wearing the ‘wrong’ gender’s clothing as adult entertainment.”
Gender nonconforming researchers often experience microaggressions — subtle, everyday behaviors or comments that convey hostility or disregard for nonbinary individuals’ gender identity. These can include misgendering, intrusive questions about appearance or personal life, or even dismissal of their expertise.
In some cases, gender nonconforming researchers may face overt discrimination or hostility in STEM homogeneous perspectives in research can also have significant detrimental impacts on research outcomes and innovation. Homogeneous research teams may unintentionally embed biases into study designs, data interpretation, and conclusions. This can result in research that ignores or misrepresents the experiences and needs of gender nonconforming individuals.
Paths for Progress
Fátima Sancheznieto, a biomedical and social scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is one of 24 global scientists who identify as transgender or having transgender family members and contributed to a collective commentary for the journal Cell, where they wrote, “We’re challenging [people with prejudices] to lean into their discomfort. … If you consider the reality, which is that all the variables we lump into the category of sex exist on a spectrum, it can actually lead you to be more creative, rigorous, and precise with your science.” Several organizations are advocating for greater inclusion of gender nonconforming individuals in STEM: 500 Queer Scientists, an organization dedicated to increasing visibility and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM, do so by showcasing their stories and providing resources for networking and mentorship. The International Society of Nonbinary Scientists (ISNBS), established in 2020, is a global community of nonbinary individuals working in the physical and social sciences. Through peer mentorships, regional liaison programs, events, and more, ISNBS exists “to combat the isolation of being the ‘only ones’ at our institutions,” as described on their website.
The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals advocates for nonbinary and other LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM professions through networking events, professional development opportunities, and outreach activities. oSTEM — short for Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — is an international professional society that supports nonbinary and LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEM fields through conferences, networking opportunities, and chapters at universities. The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University hosted the inaugural Gender Minorities in the Sciences panel, and the National Science Foundation intends to include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in its Survey of Earned Doctorates, which serves as an annual census of the nation’s PhD recipients across all academic disciplines. An inclusive culture recruits and retains top talent for a more robust and dynamic workforce, and embracing inclusivity reflects a commitment to social responsibility and ethical research practices. It acknowledges the rights and dignity of all people to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to scientific endeavors.
In a globalized world, cultural diversity in STEM ensures that research and technological advancements meet global societal needs and perspectives. Developing incentives for equitable participation by gender nonconforming individuals throughout the research and innovation process, varying indicators to assess research effectiveness, and consistently collecting data to monitor progress and address gaps are essential steps toward a more inclusive and equitable future that values each person’s contribution to shaping discoveries.●
