Despite the many brilliant initiatives implemented across European institutes in recent years to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in astronomy and astrophysics, some demographics remain systematically underrepresented. Astronomers who belong to marginalized groups, such as women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and Black people, continue to face significant and unique challenges.

Many EDI initiatives primarily focus on specific aspects of diversity, such as gender balance. While addressing individual issues is crucial for impactful results, narrowing the focus to a single dimension risks overlooking the experiences of individuals who face multiple layers of marginalization, such as those related to sexual orientation, gender identity (including non-binary identities), socio-economic background, disability, and ethnicity.

On the other hand, EDI initiatives are essential for fostering safe and welcoming work environments that promote creativity and original ideas among astronomers of all backgrounds, including those with queer identities and from marginalized ethnicities. An intersectional approach, that is one that acknowledges and addresses the ways in which different forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia) overlap and compound, is crucial to ensuring that every astronomer truly feels seen and to build a sense of belonging for all.

Furthermore, EDI initiatives are more necessary and needed than ever in the current social climate where racism, homophobia, ableism, and queerphobia are on the rise world-wide. Upholding values of compassion, active listening, understanding, and awareness and mutual respect is of vital importance in an increasingly divided and polarised world.

Building on our efforts at previous EAS and international conferences, this session aims at raising awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and to facilitate discussions on best EDI practices across multiple dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, disability spectrum, socio-economic background, and LGBTQIA+ identities.

We seek to bring together individuals with experience in EDI initiatives and those who are eager to get involved but have not yet had this opportunity. Through networking and sharing ideas, best practices, and celebration of previous experiences, including both successes and challenges, we hope to foster a collaborative and inspiring environment, driving forward the goal of making astrophysics truly inclusive and accessible for all.

Programme

• Raising awareness of the needs of a diverse community of astronomers, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ individuals and marginalized ethnic groups.
• Increase visibility and representation of underrepresented groups in astronomy
• Discuss strategies for creating safe and inclusive workplaces and address inequalities at various levels
• Showcasing and celebrating existing initiatives that promote equity and diversity in Astronomy, with specific focus towards marginalized ethnic groups and LGBTQIA+ issues
• Discuss the role and importance of allyship and of bystander intervention training

Invited speakers

• Dr. Cote Rain (European Southern Observatory, ESO-Chile)

Scientific organisers

• Izzy Garland [they/them], Chair, Masaryk University
• Sthabile Kolwa [they/she], University of South Africa
• Eleonora Fiorellino [she/her], Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
• Annagrazia Puglisi [she/her], University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
• Roberto Varas [he/they], Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, Granada, Spain

Contact

Izzy Garland: garland [at] mail.muni.cz