The Rainbow Lorikeets formed so that colleagues who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, otherwise queer, and their allies would have a strong voice and representation within the American Ornithological Society (AOS). We provide programming, events, and training to advance this mission and promote a community that supports and includes 2SLGBTQIA+ members.
The AOS’s Rainbow Lorikeets and our colleagues in SCO-SOC are dedicated to making this meeting welcoming for all attendees. We are planning on offering name badge pins and/or stickers to showcase 2SLGBTQIA+ diversity among attendees, presenting gender-inclusive categories in the annual 5K Fun Run/Walk, and anonymously pairing queer-identifying students with supportive mentees participating in the student-mentee events. We hope you join us in making the meeting as inclusive as possible!
Rainbow Lorikeets Sunrise Social
Friday, 11 August at 6:30 a.m. ET
The AOS’s Rainbow Lorikeets and our colleagues in SCO-SOC are delighted to host a breakfast social event for 2SLGBTQIA+ attendees and queer-friendly allies. Join us for food, caffeinated beverages, networking, and casual socializing.
Roundtable Discussion
Increasing inclusion and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ ornithologists
Thursday, 10 August, 12:00 p.m. (ET) (during the lunch break)
Organizers: Sarah Winnicki, Maggie MacPherson, Nicola Koper, Scott Taylor
In this round table, we bring together a panel of queer ornithologists from a range of career stages to answer questions about increasing inclusion of 2SLGTBQIA+ in Ornithology. The primary goal is to discuss the current gaps in representation and opportunity, including specific systemic barriers that 2SLGBTQIA+ students and professionals face and actionable steps that institutions and individuals with power can take to bridge these gaps. Our hope is that queer ornithologists will find belonging through knowledge sharing among fellow queer ornithologists and that allies will gain insight by listening to what queer ornithologists agree are necessary changes required to increase our inclusion in ornithology. Ornithology as a field is beginning to recognize the innovations that can be achieved when diverse voices are welcomed in research, teaching, mentorship, outreach, and conservation. Here, we will strive to understand barriers to inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in ornithology and evaluate how we can break down those barriers and create new structures that welcome and celebrate diversity.
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