Support Out in Science on WWU Give Day!
Out in Science is a student-led organization at Western that empowers and uplifts LGBTQIA+ students pursuing studies and careers in the sciences. Through community-building events, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy for inclusive academic spaces, we help ensure every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated in STEM. Your Give Day contribution will help fund professional development, guest speakers, research opportunities, and outreach efforts and support a space where students can thrive as their full, authentic selves. With your support, we’re building a future where everyone belongs in STEM—not despite who they are, but because of it. Together, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and vibrant future in science.
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Out in Science was a cornerstone of my student experience at WWU. A consistent gathering space and forum of students who share LGBTQ+ community fostered a strong sense of belonging and promoted my social health. Out in Science offered me mentorship on several levels, from interacting with upperclassmen to meeting STEM professionals. Through these experiences, I felt optimistic about starting a STEM career. Now that I am working in research, I proudly continue this legacy of mentorship. Out in Science taught me the strength found in embracing a variety of perspectives in any group, whether social or professional.
W. Marcus, Environmental Science, Class of 2021
Out in Science was founded to fill a gap I saw firsthand after several years of involvement in the CS department and various clubs at WWU: a dedicated space for LGBTQIA+ students in the College of Science and Engineering. The club was created to foster connection, visibility, and empowerment for queer and trans individuals pursuing STEM—an effort that has only become more important in today’s climate. As challenges to LGBTQIA+ rights continue to surface across the country, spaces like Out in Science are not just supportive—they’re essential. They affirm that queer and trans people not only belong in STEM—they thrive in it. This club provides mentorship, advocacy, and community in a time when being out, proud, and pursuing science still takes courage.
Kyle Rader (he/him), Computer Science, Class of 2014
Microsoft Principal Software Engineer
I have long found Out in Science to be a supportive community where I can be myself and also work on bettering myself without worrying about the people around me stereotyping me or rejecting me.
Bryce (he/they), 3rd Year electrical engineering student
Out in Science came about in a difficult time for both scientists and the queer community. I am forever grateful to have been part of its founding, as it taught me both how to build these affinity groups within the scientific community, and why they are so important. The combination of resilience and joy that Out In Science brings to Western's student body is a critical community support network that helps students to handle the external stressors of the changing landscape of our world while feeling secure enough of their own place in the scientific community that they can focus on their studies.
The highlight of my experience with Out In Science was when I organized a talk with former astronaut Captain Wendy Lawrence and her wife, mission control specialist Cathy Watson. They spoke to a standing room only crowd in the VU about their experience at NASA in the era of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Wendy was an astronaut through the military, so when she met Cathy at NASA the two had to hide their relationship and pretend to barely know each other for the duration of their careers. The opportunity to bring impactful speakers such as the two of them onto campus is an excellent example of the unique opportunities that Out In Science can provide.
Having graduated from WWU in 2017, I have gone on to my own career on NASA missions, working on the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers. In those roles I have been involved with the LGBTQ+ affinity group for planetary scientists, and I recently took on an additional role for the Perseverance mission as a whole that focuses on supporting minority and marginalized members of the mission team.
I ask that you please continue to financially support Out In Science as their work will only become more critical in the years to come, and it will help more young scientists like myself find their path into productive STEM careers.
Katherine W. (she/her), Geology BS, Class of 2017
