Collection Guide
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National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) records
Coll2022-005
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) records
Creator:
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2022-005
Physical Description:
8.5 Linear Feet
8 boxes.
Date (inclusive): 1967-2018
Abstract: The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) is a professional organization
comprised of scientific, technical, education, engineering, and math professionals who are members of the LGBTQ community.
They advocate for employment equality and professional freedom, ethics, and responsibility; promote science education; and
provide networking and mentoring opportunities. The collection, 1967-2018, is comprised of institutional records, scientific
publications, presentations, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera.
Language of Material:
English
.
The collection is arranged into three series: Series 1) Administrative Records; Series 2) Activism; Series 3) Professional
Societies and Associations.
The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) is a professional organization
comprised of scientific, technical, education, engineering, and math professionals who are members of the LGBTQ community.
They advocate for employment equality and professional freedom, ethics, and responsibility; promote science education; and
provide networking and mentoring opportunities.
Their mission statement is: "We empower LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM by providing education, advocacy, professional development,
networking, and peer support. We educate all communities regarding scientific, technological, and medical concerns of LGBTQ+
people."
The organization began as part of a grass-roots advocacy for LGBTQ rights and the need for a network for LGBTQ scientists
and technicians in a time when many were closeted for fear of workplace discrimination. During the 1980 meeting of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a special session was held regarding homophobia in scientific workplaces.
Concerned about the problems discussed and inspired by existing organizations such as Triangle Area Gay Scientists (TAGS)
and Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Scientists (LAGLS), the National Organization of Lesbian and Gay Scientists (NOLGS) was created
as a network to organize events and meetings to address issues such as employment discrimination, immigration issues, and
lack of visibility, research, and funding for LGBTQ-related subjects. Though informal at its inception, the group was formalized
as NOGLSTP in August 1983 with a membership, a board of directors, and a regular newsletter. The term "Technical Professionals"
was added to welcome engineers, mathematicians, educators, clinicians, and others interested in science and technology.
NOGLSTP's advocacy work began with identifying and combating homophobia in the workplace, including the issue of obtaining
and maintaining security clearances in government positions and getting LGBTQ people included under non-discrimination protections.
NOGLSTP collaborated with many groups and agencies on the issue of LGBTQ equality and access in the workplace and in professional
societies. LGBTQ employee support groups throughout the nation were responsible for securing inclusive equal employment opportunity
and same-sex partner benefits.
NOGLSTP also began to publish and present scientific symposia on topics relevant to LGBTQ people, including the biology of
homosexuality, LGBTQ health care, and AIDS/HIV. They also produced career resources workshops addressing LGBTQ concerns in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers and initiated internal programs that would leverage visibility
of LGBTQ scientists, engineers, and other technical professionals nationwide, as well as encourage young LGBTQ people into
the pipeline of technical professions.
NOGLSTP has become a sought-after partner for collaborations with many organizations and agencies in promoting LGBTQ visibility
and equality. Their initial campaign against homophobia in the technical workplace has evolved into championing inclusion
of LGBTQ people in diversity outreach and broadening participation programs in STEM fields, as well as providing role models,
networking, advocacy, and support to young LGBTQ people pursuing careers in STEM.
In 2021, NOGLSTP changed their public facing name to OUT to Innovate, after their annual career summit, to promote wider diversity
and inclusion "so that all gender and sexual minorities in all facets of STEM would feel welcome."
Reference: NOGLSTP is OUT to Innovate, https://noglstp.org/
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Rochelle A. Diamond, 2019.
[Box/folder #, or item name], National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Records, Coll2022-005,
ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the California State Library. Collection processed by
Beth McDonald, August 2022.
The collection, 1967-2018, documents the creation, growth, and activities of NOGLSTP; scientific and technological developments;
membership and participation in larger associations; related professional organizations; and activism regarding AIDS/HIV,
equal employment, and professional ethics. Materials include institutional records, scientific publications, presentations,
correspondence, photographs, and ephemera.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Gay activists
Lesbian activists
Professional associations
Science -- Societies, etc. -- History -- Archival resources