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UMass Amherst postdoctoral researcher Jess McLaughlin is one of 24 transgender scientists who have published a commentary in the journal Cell describing the barriers that shape the careers of trans people in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine) and how cisgender colleagues and institutions can support them.

McLaughlin, a research associate in environmental conservation, is among the multinational, trans-disciplinary group of authors of the commentary, part of a special issue on sex and gender. The piece lays out how the scientific community can play a key role in combatting transphobic legislation, as well as how legal and societal pressures can limit trans scientists’ career opportunities. They also highlight how addressing these challenges will benefit the scientific community beyond just trans researchers, as many barriers –including restrictions on career mobility because of hostile legislation, delays for healthcare and financial reasons, harassment based on gender expression and lack of name change policies on previously published work – are issues for those beyond the trans community as well.

McLaughlin and the letter’s co-authors say the burden of making these changes cannot fall solely on trans researchers, as they only make up a tiny proportion of the STEMM community. “Without sustained action by cis colleagues, achieving inclusion and equity becomes the de facto responsibility of those who are already burdened and marginalized,” they write.

“When cis and trans people alike challenge sex and gender essentialism, we enshrine bodily autonomy and intellectual freedom,” the group concludes. “When we build institutions and systems to support all who contribute, we move to rectify scientific inequity and injustice.” 

The complete letter, titled “Rigorous science demands support of transgender scientists,” can be read on the Cell website.