LGBTQ+ in STEM: Why 'Difference' is Our Biggest Asset in Military Medical Research
A Thought for International LGBTQ+ People in STEM Day 2025
Hello, I’m Jess, your study communication manager, and today I want to talk about something crucial to all of us—the strength of diverse minds in military medicine.
It’s International LGBTQ+ People in STEM Day 2025, a day to celebrate the outstanding work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer individuals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. From the molecular biologist cracking the code on PTSD to the battlefield engineer designing better protective gear, their contributions are vital.
For our study, this isn’t just a day for a nice post; it’s a moment to reflect on our core mission. We are here to understand and improve the health outcomes of the entire ex-military community, their families and the global community. To do that, the people running the show—our researchers, data scientists, and communicators—must reflect the people they serve.
The Value of Perspective
I know you might be thinking: “Keep it simple. What’s this got to do with my service or my health?”
Everything. A successful patrol requires a diverse team. You don’t ask about someone’s personal life when they’re covering your six; you care if they can do the job and if they bring a unique skill or perspective that strengthens the team.
Science is the same. It needs people who look at the world differently. People who have had to adapt, overcome, and innovate just to exist in a world that wasn’t designed for them. That experience and mindset is an advantage.
The Critical Cost of Prejudice: Why We Must Retain Talent
The statistics we see today are alarming:
- In the UK, 28% of LGBTQ+ scientists have considered leaving their jobs due to discrimination.
- For trans scientists, this figure nearly doubles, rising to around 50%.
Imagine a top-tier field hospital losing a quarter of its most talented scientists because they didn’t feel safe to be themselves. We wouldn’t stand for it. So why should we tolerate it in the labs where the next medical breakthrough is being thought up?
We can’t afford to let talent bleed out because of prejudice.
Be an Ally
The power to change this is in our hands.
The UK military community, which our study serves, is known for its core values: respect for others, selfless commitment, courage & integrity.
Every time we push for an inclusive work policy, challenge a casual discriminatory comment, or mentor an LGBTQ+ colleague, we are upholding these values. We are making our labs a stronger, more honest, and ultimately, more successful place.
Let’s make our medical world a place where the biggest challenge someone faces is a complex equation or a tricky grant application, not the fear of being themselves.
Get Involved: Events and Resources for STEM Allies
- Pride in STEM: Talks and celebrations at the ZSL Institute of Zoology. It’s a free event and a great chance to hear from leading minds.
- CERN: The annual celebration is taking place at 17:30 – 21:25. Proof that inclusion is literally rocket science.
You can find more information about the incredible work being done, and how to become an ally, at the Pride in STEM website: https://prideinstem.org/
