Queering Climate: Coming out for climate!

To celebrate Pride this year, I wanted to tell my story of the origins of “Queering Climate”, a place for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to foster connection and adopt a forward-thinking regenerative mindset, in hopes of inspiring more people to join us. Reach out to me at [email protected] to join this conversation and co-develop a community of support and action to collaborate toward a just, equitable, and inclusive future for all.

Coming out publicly is never easy to do.?

As we celebrate Pride Month, I am reminded of a pivotal moment in my life: coming out publicly. While I came out to my friends and family long ago, it was only in 2020 that I spoke about being queer in a highly public setting. It was at the Global Council for Science and the Environment’s (GCSE) annual conference, where I was part of a panel event on diversity in climate. I hadn’t intended to talk about my sexuality—in fact, I wasn’t even invited to the panel as a queer man, but as an expert on the diversity of climate solutions that exist today.?

As I sat there next to a diverse panel spanning ethnicities, gender identities, and religions, it occurred to me that no one else on that panel could speak to the queer experience. So before I launched into my work on solutions, I blurted out, “There is rampant marginalization and discrimination of LGBTQ people in the sciences, with many promising scientists leaving the field. We need more vocal queer leadership in this room. I would like to say that I am a proud member of the LGBTQ community, and I have led researchers from all over the world to create this work.”

The 500 or so scientists and academic leaders in the room applauded politely, and I moved on to describe my work on solutions to the climate crisis. Afterwards, only one young scientist came up to me to thank me for speaking out and asked how she could get involved more. The interaction was magic; yet, I could not help but feel a bit discomforted.?

I began to wonder: had I made this esteemed body of scientific leaders so uncomfortable that no one else wanted to discuss solutions to the climate crisis, one of the greatest challenges? Were they annoyed with me for bringing up an issue that they didn’t think belongs in the diversity conversation? Or had they convinced themselves that they aren’t part of a heteronormative, patriarchal system that continues to dominate the sciences? Whatever the case, for the rest of the conference, I felt distinctly cut off from everyone else there, isolated and marginalized for speaking out.

It was only when I sat down, martini in hand, with my friend and colleague Michelle Wyman later that night, that I began to see an opportunity arise to help elevate the voices of LGBTQIA+ people in STEM and particularly in climate. “That was really brave,” she said. “The scientific community needs a lot more LGBTQ leaders to change mindsets.”?

Though I myself do not have a traditional STEM degree–my academic background is in the humanities and social sciences–for nearly a decade now I have led 100+ STEM researchers and professionals from every walk of life. Together, we created a globally recognized, data-driven, scientific approach to evaluating climate and regenerative solutions. The hallmark of this work, and, as I have come to realize over time, my superpower, was the bringing together of incredibly diverse intergenerational, international, interdisciplinary people in a safe and comfortable space to collaborate and co-create together. Talking with Michelle, it dawned on me that I could use this superpower to convene diversequeer leaders to solve the climate crisis.

The next year, the GCSE invited me back to give a keynote on “Queering Climate.”? In this speech, I committed to stepping forward as a queer leader, speaking out more for LGBTQIA+ justice and inclusion, and helping the science community wake up to the importance of accepting and honoring LGBTQIA+ voices openly.?

The Reality of The Discrimination?

Despite the ideal of science as a meritocratic safe haven, recent history shows that bullying and patriarchal culture remains rampant in academic and professional settings. A ground-breaking 2021 study by sociologists E.A. Cech and T.J. Waidzunas revealed that LGBTQIA+ STEM professionals face more career limitations, harassment, and professional devaluation than their non-LGBTQ peers. This discrimination leads to more frequent health difficulties and a higher likelihood of leaving STEM fields altogether.

For instance, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has been criticized for its slow progress in including questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in its workforce surveys, making it challenging to gather accurate data on LGBTQIA+ representation in STEM. Additionally, many LGBTQIA+ scientists report feeling invisible and undervalued in their workplaces, contributing to higher rates of stress and mental health issues. A lack of visible LGBTQIA+ role models and leaders further exacerbates this problem, creating an environment where queer individuals often feel isolated and unsupported.

The issue extends beyond just individual experiences. The systemic nature of this discrimination reflects broader societal biases and a lack of institutional commitment to truly inclusive practices. Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ students are more likely to switch out of STEM majors than their heterosexual counterparts, primarily due to an unwelcoming environment and lack of support. This attrition rate significantly diminishes the pool of talented individuals who could contribute to scientific and climate solutions.

In climate action, the underrepresentation of LGBTQIA+ voices means that the unique perspectives and solutions that our community can offer are often missing. The lack of diversity in leadership positions and decision-making processes results in a narrow approach to tackling climate issues, one that does not fully account for the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental sustainability.

Our Unique Contribution?

The LGBTQIA+ community embodies a unique ethos of resilience, creativity, and solidarity, which is crucial in addressing the climate crisis. Our history is marked by overcoming systemic oppression, discrimination, and existential threats, from the Stonewall Riots to the ongoing struggle for equal rights. This legacy has instilled in us a profound understanding of intersectionality, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the power of collective action.

LGBTQIA+ individuals have a long-standing tradition of pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms, which is essential for innovative climate solutions. Our community's ability to think outside the box, adapt to changing circumstances, and mobilize in the face of adversity can drive transformative change in the climate movement. We bring a distinct perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic issues, advocating for holistic solutions that benefit all.?

Furthermore, the LGBTQIA+ community has a deep-rooted culture of empathy, acceptance, and inclusivity. These values are vital for fostering collaboration and building alliances across different sectors and communities. By embracing diversity and creating safe, inclusive spaces, we can harness the collective strength and creativity needed to tackle the climate crisis.

In addition to these strengths, LGBTQIA+ people often possess a heightened awareness of vulnerability and marginalization, which can inform more compassionate and equitable climate policies. Our experiences of discrimination and resilience equip us with the empathy and determination to advocate for justice and sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a regenerative future.

Join the Movement!

To truly address and adapt to climate change and build a regenerative society, we need to be more inclusive and diverse. Here’s how you can join the movement to Queer Climate:

1. Amplify LGBTQIA+ Voices: Support and elevate the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals in climate science, policy, and activism.?
2. Promote Inclusive Spaces: Advocate for inclusive and safe spaces in climate-related events and organizations.?
3. Support Intersectional Solutions: Recognize the interconnectedness of social and climate issues and promote solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously.
4. Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities and how these intersect with climate issues.
5. Foster Collaboration: Encourage partnerships between LGBTQIA+ organizations and climate-focused groups to leverage diverse perspectives and drive innovative solutions.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us commit to making the climate movement a truly inclusive space where every voice is heard and valued. By embracing the LGBTQIA+ community and letting its spirit guide us, we can overcome the massive challenges before us and usher in a world of true climate justice. Together, we can build a regenerative future that provides cascading benefits to all people and the planet.

If we want to reverse global warming, address climate change, and create a society that benefits everyone, we need to embrace a more queer ethos. Who’s with me?

Let’s turn the tide together and create a thriving, inclusive future for all. ???????

Dive deeper with us into this journey towards not just sustaining, but regenerating our world. Because at RegenIntel, we're not just dreaming of a better future; we're making it happen, one innovative solution at a time. ??

Learn more at https://www.regenintel.earth/education

Chad Frischmann

CEO & Founder, RegenIntel