CREATING LGBTQ+-INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS IN THE GEOSCIENCES

Efforts to create more diverse and inclusive environments in geoscience classrooms often lack LGBTQ+-focused initiatives. The LGBTQ+ community in the geosciences is represented by diverse spectrums of sexuality and gender, yet many feel that LGBTQ+ people in geology are not visible or represented. LGBTQ+ geoscientists have also reported a lack of support in the classroom during their time as a student. Based on LGBTQ+-focused surveys and previous literature, we propose best practices that geoscience instructors can implement to begin creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment that is supportive of LGBTQ+ people. In-class practices include pronoun usage, incorporating LGBTQ+ themes into course content, confronting homophobia and transphobia, safe zone training, and celebrating the achievements of LGBTQ+ people. In order to make the geosciences more welcoming and inclusive, there must be explicit intention and effort to create impactful change regarding LGBTQ+ identities.