Representation in the STEM field

After reading the article "Factors influencing participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields: matched mentors and mindsets" by Kricorian et al., 2020, I had some thoughts around what representation looks like for me. Growing up LGBTQ+ in the 90's, it wasn't often I'd see myself represented in the media. If there were gay characters, they were played by heterosexual men. You're represented by a man pretending to me gay. The article stated that about half of the individuals surveyed saw their gender represented and 43% saw their ethnicity represented in STEM careers (Kricorian et al., 2020). I think when I was younger, it was difficult to imagine being in any type of STEM or job role unless I could be like other cisgender men. As I continue to pursue a degree in the STEM field, I'm meeting more people like me and it's encouraging. It's encouraging to see the STEM field making a concerted effort to diversify and step away from the typical gender roles of the past. Just recently we've seen the first transgendered person, Rachel Levine, assuming a high-ranking role for the United States Government. This is huge! She is representing the LGBTQ+ community and giving hope to many people still searching for themselves. I only hope I can provide the same by sharing my journey through a blog, on campus and/or within the industry.