oSTEM strives to make visible and give voice to the underrepresented people within the LGBTQ+ STEM community. We believe that by connecting you with each other, with mentors and resources, and by showcasing you and your accomplishments within broader STEM spaces, we can improve representation.

Currently, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) team hosts seven affinity groups. The affinity groups include Ace/Aro, Queer Enabled, InQUEERy, Middle Sexualities, Race and Ethnicity, Trans and Non-Binary, and Women.

We invite you to join any number of our affinity groups based on your intersecting identities. Please refer to descriptions below for clarity and use the links provided to express your interest in joining. Please note that your information is private and we will never share it without your consent. We require that individuals’ identities align with the affinity group for the safety and comfort of all members.

To join us, please visit us on Discord. If you have any additional questions, please email affinitygroups@ostem.org.

We welcome you and are so happy you are here!

Affinity Groups

Ace/Aro

The Ace/Aro affinity group connects all aspec and questioning people in support and affirmation. Ours is a space to recharge from an amatonormative society, discuss micro labels and attraction, and celebrate the beauty and diversity the aspec community holds.

Queer Enabled

Queer Enabled aims to provide a space for those with visible and invisible adversities and disabilities to come together and discuss ways to manage and overcome them. We discuss ability in education, the workplace, and in STEM, as well as how our lived experiences are impacted. By sharing our experiences and talking through ways to accommodate, self-advocate, and educate others, we come together to demonstrate that we’re more than just our disabilities.

InQUEERy

InQUEERy is a space in which oSTEM members can: EXPLORE notions of belief, faith, and philosophy; QUESTION these notions in critical and respectful ways; and CREATE dialogues that unify us in our differences. This group is open to any members in search of meaningful ways to be QUEER and engage their SPIRITUALITY.

Middle Sexualities

The Middle sexualities affinity group provides a space for all who don't necessarily fit into gay, lesbian, or straight boxes. Whether you are bi, pan, poly, queer, asexual, aromantic, or anyone else who may fall under the term middle sexualities, you are welcome here.

Race & Ethnicity

Race and Ethnicity is designed for people of color to have their voices heard. It offers a safe space to share similar experiences. Encourage community discussions, and build a network.

Trans & Non-Binary

This affinity group is for those who are trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or intersex, as well as anybody who is questioning their gender identity. It offers a safer space to meet others with shared identities and experiences, to ask and answer questions, to celebrate our achievements, to build a supportive network, and to advocate for greater visibility.

Women

This affinity group is for all people who identify as women. We discuss gender as it relates to women in education, the workplace, and in STEM, as well as how our lived experiences are impacted. By sharing our experiences and talking through ways to accommodate, self-advocate, and educate others, we come together to demonstrate that our gender does not limit us, particularly in STEM.