Queer voices in computational biology: the first ISCB LGBTQI+ Symposium.

Abstract

The first ISCB LGBTQI+ Symposium, held during Pride Month in 2024, marked a significant milestone for the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) community to promote diversity. This event aimed to provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQI+ members of the society to share their experiences, address unique challenges in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and foster strategies for creating an equitable environment within ISCB. Through keynote presentations, short talks, and a roundtable discussion, participants explored topics such as minority stress, visibility, and the impact of role models. The symposium was rooted in a recognition of the historical and ongoing marginalization faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and sought to challenge systemic barriers while emphasizing the importance of community and representation. This article details the journey behind organizing the symposium, including overcoming the challenges of ensuring inclusivity and privacy, and highlights the profound impact of role models and collective action in advancing LGBTQI+ equity in science.