STEM as a Cover: Toward a Framework for Queer Emotions, Battle Fatigue, and STEM Identity

• In Event: Let's Talk Equity and STEM Education

Abstract

We to understand the violence endured by queer youth. We use Queer Battle Fatigue, cultural politics of emotion, and STEM identity theories to make meaning of youth’s experience. We draw from audio recordings and transcriptions of 15 queer youth over a summer and fall LGBTQ+ maker camp in a rural town in the Intermountain Western part of the United States. Findings reveal that the maker camp environment was conducive to casual conversations about microaggressions and violence endured. In this context, STEM served as a cover in three ways: emotion, validation/advice, and safety. This camp gave them recognition and validation of both their STEM and queer identities, allowing the group to be honest about their experiences.

Authors

• Mario I Suarez, Utah

• Andrea M Hawkman, Utah State University

• Colby Tofel-Grehl, Utah State University

• Beth Loveday MacDonald, Utah State University

• Kristin Searle, Utah State University