The Ontario Science Centre is celebrating International Pride in STEM Day with a series of events centred around members of the LGBTQ community in science, technology, engineering and math.
Science Centre staff say they hope the first International Pride in STEM Day — recognized by science organizations and LGBTQ groups around the world — will help make the STEM fields more accepting and representative of LGBTQ members.
Today’s events kick off at 11 a.m. with an all-day showcase of photos and stories by LGBTQ scientists, aimed at breaking stereotypes about the people who enter the profession.
The Science Centre will also host a discussion about the assignment of gender to robots and artificial intelligence systems like Siri and Alexa, and a “Science Slam” speakers’ panel hosted by drag performer Rob Windisman, also known as Conchita, who holds a master’s degree in engineering.
Registration to attend the speakers’ events begins at noon.
Staff say anyone who can’t make it to the Ontario Science Centre in person can join the discussion on Twitter using #LGBTSTEMday.