Why STEM needs Pride – and what that really means
Rainbow flags, big celebrations, music, dancing — for a lot of people, that’s the heart of Pride. It’s joy, community and unapologetic self-expression.
But Pride is also about pushing for change, especially where LGBTQ+ people still struggle to feel seen and heard. And yes, that includes STEM — science, technology, engineering and maths.
Now imagine the ideas, breakthroughs, and discoveries that might have been lost because someone didn’t feel welcome to get involved…
So, why does this matter?
Because STEM shapes the world we live in. From tackling climate change to designing new tech, the people working in these fields have a big influence on how we live, work, and solve the problems of today.
Also, here’s the thing: diverse teams are better at solving problems. And that’s backed by evidence. A 2018 study found that when people from different backgrounds and identities bring their own perspectives to the table, the results speak for themselves.
But this can only happen when people feel welcome to show up as themselves.
Pride is a year-round celebration of identity, community, and allyship
It’s about celebrating identity — of course — but also about challenging systems that still don’t work for everyone. In STEM, that means looking at how workplaces, schools, and even outreach programmes are built. Who gets the opportunities? Who gets to lead? Who gets listened to?
It also means giving LGBTQ+ pupils and young people visible role models, not just once a year, but every day. Representation matters, especially for young people figuring out where they belong.
Inclusivity isn’t a tick-box exercise. It’s something that should be built into everything you do. We need to open doors for underrepresented groups in STEM — whether that’s girls in engineering, black and global majority students in science, or LGBTQ+ young people who don’t yet see themselves reflected in the field.
STEM should be for everyone. Not just because it’s fair, but because it makes sense!
