Sarah speaking in a lecture theatre. There is a screen with a slide protected onto it which says "asexuality: the visible orientation" with Sarah's name and pronouns.

Yesterday I gave a talk about asexuality and the experiences of #AceInSTEM folks at Bristol University for a LGBTQ+ STEM Day event.

Some of the issues that I highlighted were:
- feeling isolate
- experiences of sexual harassment
- lack of awareness of asexuality in STEM
- feeling invisible (1/4)

I asked #AceInSTEM folks what they would like other people to know about being ace. One theme that came up was the lack of awareness around asexuality and misconceptions. Here are some quotes...(1/5)

This will be my last thread today about #AceInSTEM experiences. I felt this was a good one to end on as it shows the importance of meeting others like you and networks.

I co-founded the Aces in STEM Discord server. I am going to keep my DMs open for 2 days for anyone who wants an invite link. (3/5)

I asked #AceInSTEM folks about what they would want others to know about being ace. One respondent shared the impact of knowing other ace and aro people in STEM:

"Luckily enough, I know quite a few folks who are asexual and/or aromantic STEM. For example, a new graduate student who joined the (1/5)

Aces in general are at higher risk as people see us a "challenge" and don't see asexuality as a real and valid sexual orientation.

I will post more #AceInSTEM experiences throughout LGBTQIA+ STEM Day, which is today. (5/5)

Content warning: sexual harassment

I asked #AceInSTEM folks what they would like other people to know about being ace. A couple of respondees shared their experiences of sexual harassment. (1/5)

Another person shared that they are in a field with many cis white women. They are not out and as someone who is racially marginalised, coming out as asexual could lead to them being further excluded.

I will post more #AceInSTEM experiences throughout LGBTQIA+ STEM Day, which is today. (3/3)

I asked #AceInSTEM folks what they would like other people to know about being ace. One theme that came up is feeling isolated in STEM. One person said:

"When it comes to being ace in STEM, I feel like it's easy to not talk about it. So many of the scientists I've worked with don't 1/3

you should be including ace people, both in the process but also in the results. 3/3

I will post more #AceInSTEM experiences for #LGBTQIAStemDay today.

I asked #AceInSTEM folks about what they would like other people to know about being ace. One person said:

"I do human neuroscience research. I'm a big supported of "Nothing about us without us"--the idea that if you're researching a specific population and you're not part of that group, you 1/3

Ace in STEM experience Responses on this form will be used for a talk I will be giving on the 20th November 2024 and any future talks. If you would like me to delete any responses at any time, please get in touch with me di...

Hey #AceInSTEM folks - I'm doing a talk next week about asexuality for a LGBTQ+ STEM Day event. I like to include other perspectives in my talks and if you would like to share your anonymously, you can do so through this form: forms.gle/RXbLC5HD2d17...

It is such a pleasure to meet you Kat! It's lovely to meet more aspecs in STEM

There are a few folks who have used the #AceInSTEM hashtag and on Twitter #AroInSTEM was used too, so hoping it'll be used here too. If you use either, you appear on the Queer STEM feed.

I'm at the Ri next week with table top demos with Kate! Our science demos have asexual and aromantic themes.

I also have ordered ace and aro stickers to give out...👀

#AceInSTEM #AroInSTEM

I think what I was known for was talking about being asexual and posting #AceInSTEM profiles. Also used Twitter to come out as asexual in 2020!

The Queer STEM feed has had #AroInSTEM and #AceInSTEM hashtags added to it so if you use these hashtags, your post will appear on there!

Thanks @mcsinton.bsky.social 😊

bsky.app/profile/did:...

Selfie of Nikita with her viola

400 MHz NMR spectrometer at the School of Pharmacy. The photo is a close up of the magnet with the sample changer.

Nikita's hands decorated with mehndi (henna) and wearing red and gold bangles for a Hindu wedding celebration

The Strand (London) at night. Christmas decorations are up and a bus is coming towards the camera.

Hello Bluesky! I'm Nikita (she/her), an NMR facility manager based in London. Came over for the lovely #NMRchat community, but I also love nerding out over fantasy and classic literature, especially #Tolkien and #JaneAusten. Also an amateur violist 🎻, asexual and British Indian. #AceInSTEM #ChemSky

First impressions of Bsky: I'm finding it very cosy

Hello, I'm an ace-aro quantum mechanics finishing PhD student. I do sci-comm, aspec advocacy, TTRPGs + Improv whenever I can.
🍵Right now I'm drinking a hot cup of Oolong tea and relaxing after giving an online seminar.
Happy Ace Week 💜
#AceInSTEM

I’m Jo, I work as a scientific editor for a series of medical journals. My background is in biomedical sciences, as well as medical humanities, philosophy and law

#AceInSTEM #AceWeek #AceWeek2024

Helloooooo fellow #AceInSTEM lovelies! I'm Rory, aroace plant scientist/oomycete botherer/bryologist/wannabe taxonomist. Also do Tolkien stuff about ace/aro readings of his work as well as botany/ecology of Middle-earth. Looking forward to meeting others on here!

Looks like #AceInSTEM hasn't been used as a hashtag yet on Bluesky yet...

If you are on the asexual spectrum and work in/study STEM, please say hi and help us find others using the hashtag!

Hi I'm Sarah (she/they) and I'm a science communicator in the UK 👋

#AceWeek #AceWeek2024