To thrive as students, researchers and STEM professionals, the LGBTQIA+ community needs greater representation in science and more inclusive environments in which to work. Similarly, efforts to communicate science need to be more representative and inclusive of queer people and embrace opportunities to challenge traditional formats for sharing science.

Through highly collaborative projects, we have explored new ways to share science as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. I will highlight some of our approaches and intent with a focus on the CLOAK project; a celebration of LGBTQIA+ people working in STEMM that increases their visibility through fashion and photography and sparks conversations about science, art and queer inclusion.  CLOAK challenges the normative stereotype of the ‘white lab coat’ and reimagines the garment as an identity statement of the kind a superhero might adopt.

This seminar will invite discussion on what it means to queer science communication and consider whether these approaches could better integrate science as form of public culture and build greater connection and inclusion.