Who we are
Queer Science is an entirely volunteer-run organization dedicated to STEM outreach for trans and queer young people. Our "volunqueer" STEM-ists include graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty members, and staff at the University of Minnesota as well as professional scientists, community members, and partner organizations.
What We Do
Queer Science organizes free, multidisciplinary STEM outreach events for trans and queer high school students. Our volunteers develop immersive, hands-on educational STEM workshops as well as interact with and work alongside LGBTQ+ youth to:
Share our love for science,
Build intergenerational community, and
Provide visible functional adult role models.
After all, it's hard to be what you can't see! We are actively engaged with our local LGBTQ+ community through our partnerships.
Values
Accessibility - Queer Science intentionally designs our events to remove barriers to participation.
All our events take place in ADA accessible spaces with gender-neutral restroom facilities.
We actively seek ways to support attendees in fully participating in our programming by providing ample opportunities to request any accommodation as well as provide “quiet rooms," sensory-safer and sensory-stimulating spaces.
Our events are completely free, and we provide reimbursement for transportation costs (including parking and transit).
We provide snacks for all events and meals for full-day events that accommodate all dietary restrictions.
Accountability - We are always grateful to receive feedback from participants, volunteers, and partner organization to make our programming ever-better!
Vision
Queer Science recognizes that STEM fields have historically been inaccessible, euro-centric, racist, and non-inclusive. We envision a future where we are valued as whole people and our uniquely queer contributions to our fields are celebrated. After all, STEM is not - has never been - objective. We strive to recognize the contributions of and welcome multiply-marginalized queer and trans STEM-ists, building a resilient and inclusive team that represents the intersectional identities of our participants beyond the queer alphabet.