LGBT+ people are 20 percent less represented in STEM fields than they should be (Envato Elements)

Great news for all budding STEM graduates – this year’s LGBT Leaders STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is taking place on Saturday, February 15.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, LGBT Leaders is a series of conferences organised by PinkNews with the aim of addressing the troubling fact that 41 per cent of undergraduates go back into the closet after starting their first job.

More than half of LGBT+ employees don’t come out at work because they fear that they will face discrimination from managers and colleagues, according to an international survey conducted by Vodafone.

LGBT Leaders STEM is looking to change that statistic, and, in doing so, change the fear that LGBT+ people experience all too often in the workplace.

The event will focus on addressing the under-representation of LGBT+ people in STEM roles, as LGBT+ people are 20 percent less represented in those fields than expected.

It’s the only event in the UK that specifically looks to connect STEM degree graduates with industry representatives, helping them access STEM spaces and secure jobs within those sectors.

We’re proud to continue our partnership with Amazon after they were headline sponsors for the 2019 PinkNews Awards, and attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from Amazon, as well as the Financial Times, Accenture and LinkedIn.

Additionally, those looking for specific roles within the pharmaceutical industry will have the chance to meet GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer, all of whom will host a session together as members of the Proud Science Alliance.

You’ll learn all about the world of STEM through networking, panel discussions and inspirational speakers, and have the chance to meet like-minded LGBT+ people and activists from all walks of life.

Attendees can enjoy sessions on a variety of topics, from international LGBT+ rights to bi visibility, trans allyship and more.

The jam-packed agenda for the event, which also includes a career fair and a look into diversity in tech, is now available online. Students can sign up here via the simple registration form.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply now, and get STEM-ulated!