LGBTQising CERN

[aidansean]

For some reason, despite having about 10,000 physicists on site CERN has no LGBTQ group, so I'm going to set one up. It seems a little daunting, as I have to get a certain amount of inertia or critical mass or $physics_metaphor before things will work properly. So any suggestions or past experiences would be much appreciated

Comments

[andustar]

The first thing you need is a co-conspirator!

[one_to_tango]

I second this. Definitely need more plotters.

There are a few gay nights and clubs in Geneva, and there are gay associations and healthcare clinics etc., so that information could all be usefully compiled. If I were you, you'd be uglier. No, seriously, if I were you, I'd start with simple, easy social events like dining near CERN - always popular, and very low-key.

You should be able to get CERN webspace for this, and it might be worth liaising with the CERN healthcare people for that side of things, linking to your site from theirs etc. plus their medical expertise.

The other thing I'd say is start young, and work your way up. There are always PhD students, and in the summer there are zillions of younger summer students. They are more likely to take part than older people, and perhaps once any older/shyer cernois see this happening, they'll join.

Probably teaching my gran to suck cock eggs here, but my 2¢.

[m_nivalis]

Completely off topic, but could you please explain your icon to a non-phycisist?

Your LGBTQ idea sounds good and I wish you best of luck with it!

[aidansean]

Hey! My icon refers to the magical "5 &sigma" that is used in particle physics. It's the number of standard deviations in a Normal distribution. So if you make a measurement that is 5 σ (5 standard deviations) away from the expected value, the chances are 1 in a million that it's a statistical fluke. So I'm just saying that I don't fall in love until I'm really really really sure, or something. Incredibly geeky romance joke.

[aidansean]

"It's the number of standard deviations in a Normal distribution."

Oops, that should read "It refers to a number of standard deviations in a given Normal distribution."

[sebastiality]

I'm surprised there isn't an LGBTQ group. I thought science was supposed to be progressive.

Maybe you could find a counselling service (or links to advice online) for LGBTQ people who are not out. I'm sure there would be a few and they'd appreciate anonymity to begin with. Of course, the existence of an LGBTQ group will help those who aren't out come to terms with their sexuality/gender.

I hope it goes well!

[one_to_tango]

Liberal and progressive to a degree, but CERN is over 50 years old and has grown up as a lab, not a university. Students tend to be postgrad not undergrad, and people tend to be adults living there with their everyday lives. It never felt like a discrimination or squeamishness thing, just something that had simply never arisen.

Very, very good point. If you want to be more than just a social club, I'd say that's the biggy Aidan.

[anonymous]

Great idea and best of luck with it!
Congrats on successfully defending the thesis and getting a job at CERN!

Sorry I haven't kept up with you.

Do you remember my friends who visited me in London? We had dinner together at that Thai place? Anyway, they are based at CERN now, too. I will be happy to electronically reintroduce you.

I've also just told a classmate of mine here that he and you would get along well, so he may get in touch with you via facebook.

Anyway, hope you're well.

Hugs,
Priya

[aidansean]

Hey, nice to hear from you! I bumped into Juliana and her man (I forget his name) at the games club a couple of weeks ago and we made contact on Facebook. Once I get back to CERN (after 2 1/2 weeks of travel) I'll get in touch properly. Also get started on the LGBT group- I've found a co-conspirator! Things are well here- if you're ever in this neck of the woods (anywhere between Geneva and London) let me know and I'll come see you.

[anonymous]

Hooray!

Yes, Juliana (wife of Paul) mentioned that she'd run into you. Congrats on the co-conspirator and group founding. Good luck and congrats with your talk in Beijing! Try the Peking Duck while you're there :-)

We may be near Geneva next summer--will keep you posted.

Hugs,
Priya