Mathematics (and science) doesn’t care if you’re male or female, where you grew up, how much money you make, or anything else for that matter. When you’re working on a problem it’s just you and the problem.
Of course, math and science is done by people. And people, consciously or unconsciously, tend to notice such things.
As we talked about here, Alan Turing knew all too well about both sides of doing math.
As you know, there’s the annual women in math conference that OU’ers attend. In the same spirit, we’re happy to tell you that there is a biannual conference for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) folks in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It’s called Out to Innovate 2012.
According to the organizers it’s
…a summit intended to bring together LGBT and Ally high school, college and post-doctoral students, with LGBT career professionals, academics, and employers in the Science / Technology / Engineering / Mathematics community to share diversity, mentoring, and career learning opportunities.
– from the Out to Innovate webpage
Nergis Mavalvala
The keynote speakers are Nergis Mavalvala, a professor of physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Kei Koizumi, from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Kei Koizumi
If this sounds interesting, you should definitely consider going. And note that “allies” are also invited!
If you’re interested in the conference, you may also be interested in one of the sponsoring organizations, NOGLSTP* (National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals).
* What’s with all the acronyms in today’s post?
