Turning point: Out for chemistry

[eridani]

http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7593-265a

So 'don't ask, don't tell' was the de facto policy?

Yes. I wasn't 'out' when I started at the University of York. As a result, I engaged in a lot of self-censorship. When chatting about the weekend with colleagues, I'd neutralize the gender of my partner or just not talk about my personal life at all. But I'd end up in difficult situations — half lying, half telling the truth and trying to remember what I had told individual people to be consistent in conversations.

What prompted you to come out?

I was in a long-term relationship and it got more ridiculous not to talk about it. I had been in my job for 4 or 5 years when another gay colleague arrived in the department. It gave me a bit of confidence. I came out in 2002, and I received an overall positive response. Some people were surprised but the uncomfortable period didn't last long. York has one of the most diversity-friendly chemistry departments.

You've been very open since then. Do junior colleagues contact you to discuss LGBT issues?

Yes, I get tens of e-mails from people globally, often people in junior positions, such as postdocs who are unsure about what impact coming out could have on their career. The apprenticeship model leaves junior researchers dependent on their supervisor's recommendation. People worry that even unconscious bias could bleed into a reference letter for a job application. There's no easy answer. Every supervisor is different. The last thing I want to do is say 'come out', and have supervisors write horrible letters.

You make fun YouTube videos, and encourage your students to do so, too. Why?

My videos — notably the chemistry of mephedrone or the science behind the television show Breaking Bad — got general traction beyond students. I decided to encourage my students to make videos as a way to empower them with a voice. I wanted them to realize that they don't have to just absorb knowledge, they can be a source of it. It also became a way for me to discuss diversity issues and use it as an education tool.