Progress on Recommendations of the LGBT+ Climate Report

The APS has been working consistently since the publication of the LGBT Climate in Physics report to follow through on the recommendations. Below is a detailed list of actions APS has taken to date.

Recommendation 1: Ensure a safe and welcoming environment at APS meetings.

  • APS has organized an Inclusive Meetings Working Group that is in the process of developing recommendations for APS meetings.
  • APS has arranged for gender-neutral restroom facilities to be available at as many APS meetings as feasible.
  • APS continues to host gatherings for LGBT+ physicists to meet, network, and discuss topics of mutual interest at APS March and April Meetings. In addition, many of the CUWiP conferences have organized LGBT+ breakout sessions.
  • APS has been working to make preferred pronouns an option on meeting badges.
  • APS canceled the 2018 DAMOP meeting to be held in Charlotte, NC, in response to the discriminatory law known as HB2.
  • The APS Code of Conduct for APS meetings was first implemented at the APS March Meeting 2016. Since the initial roll out, key staff members have been trained to handle reports of violations, and the Code of Conduct has been widely disseminated. In addition, the EthicsPoint reporting system provides a confidential reporting option with 24-hour availability and the APS Ethics Committee oversees the response to each complaint.

Recommendation 2: Address the need to systematically accommodate name changes in publication records

Recommendation 3: Develop advocacy efforts that support LGBT equity and inclusion.

  • APS has a statement on Protection Against Discrimination that affirms the commitment of the society to protecting the rights of all people, including freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity and sexual orientation. The statement was reaffirmed by the APS Council in November 2021.
  • Past APS CEO Kate Kirby sent a letter to NSF advocating for inclusion of LGBT+ demographic questions in STEM education and workforce surveys. In 2018, NSF piloted LGBT+ demographic questions for workforce surveys.

Recommendation 4: Promote LGBT-inclusive practices in academia, national labs, and industry

  • The lgbt+physicists Best Practices Guide has been publicized at multiple APS/AAPT Physics Department Chairs Conferences, and is linked on the APS website.
  • Physics departments and laboratories can now request a Climate Site Visit with feedback on LGBT+ inclusion, and at least one university has done so.
  • Many excellent training programs allies to LGBT+ individuals already exist, such as “Safe Zone” training available at many US universities. APS encourages physicists to participate in available training programs.

Recommendation 5: Implement LGBT-inclusive mentoring programs

  • As described above, APS has continued sponsoring networking events at meetings, including LGBT+ roundtable discussions and diversity receptions that support the formation of mentoring relationships.

Recommendation 6: Support the establishment of a Forum on Diversity and Inclusion.

  • The Forum on Diversity and Inclusion (FDI) was approved as a new member unit by the APS Council in November 2019. The creation of FDI will enable forward movement on many other recommendations.