International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Daniel

Posted on May 17, 2025   by Microbiology Society

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia is an annual event that takes place on 17 May to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and celebrates its diversity. This year’s theme, ‘the power of communities’, shines a light on the strength, unity and resilience within LGBTQ+ groups around the world.

To mark the day, this year we caught up with member and Champion, Daniel, to discuss his experiences at the LGBTQ+ social event, held at the Society's Annual Conference 2025

Attending the Microbiology Society Annual Conference is now a regular event in my year, and one of the highlights of the conference is the LGBTQ+ Networking Event. The addition of this event has provided a unique setting allowing LGBTQ+ microbiologists to come together and share their journey. These experiences also bring people together to network who we would not necessarily meet otherwise. It has truly been an inspirational touch seeing this ‘official’ event being supported by the Society.

I remember that for my first event, I was nervous and apprehensive about attending. In part, I think this could have been due to the event being organised by a professional society. I feared that attending this event may somehow negatively impact my professional life and I did not want to be solely defined by one aspect of myself in a professional environment. As someone who went through the system when it was a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ environment, my instinct was not to attend. Yet, by the end of the event, I was very happy to have gone as it truly was an enriching experience. There was a positive environment and everyone was both accepting and encouraging – a truly welcoming space.

It is always wonderful to meet people who are in different stages of their career – from students to research leaders. The event has provided a unique opportunity to hear many stories, including from those who have gone through similar journeys to myself, but also finding out how younger attendees find their experiences. It has also been fascinating hearing how different people have integrated their experiences into their scientific professional lives. For example, some people are actively encouraging and promoting diversity in the workplace and running work-based LGBTQ+ events.

My experience at the LGBTQ+ Networking Event has always been positive. So, as soon as the event was promoted as part of this year’s Annual Conference, I made sure to get tickets! I also made sure to encourage individuals to attend, especially those who showed an interest, but felt a little uneasy.

There were drinks and treats, with plenty of opportunities to talk to other participants. As well as catching up with people who I have met in previous years, there were also lots of new people, so it was brilliant to get to know other scientists. Every event has always included a fun activity, so I was very much looking forward to what the organisers had arranged this year.

FLOW.WALK.DRAG performer at the LGBTQ+ Networking Event

Indeed, this years ‘main event’ was one that will be remembered! The organisers arranged drag performers from ‘FLOW.WALK.DRAG’ to give shows, but with a twist. The performers dressed as bacteria and gave a piece which was meant to describe its’ nature. Laughter and jokes all around, we all had great fun! Aside from the performers interacting with the audience, the team shared their desire to creatively convey science to many communities. Once the show had ended, there was another chance to talk with fellow attendees and the ‘FLOW.WALK.DRAG’ team. It was clear that the team was encouraged by everyone’s enthusiasm, and I hope to see them around the UK. The event finished with a mix of music.

The FLOW.WALK.DRAG team at the LGBTQ+ Networking Event

It’s undeniable that this unique event, which the Microbiology Society has supported, has been very successful; providing a safe and fun space for those in the LGBTQ+ community, and ensuring that everyone is welcome. This event has always been enjoyable, and I look forward to the next one! I truly believe that by the Society championing this event it will lead to increased inclusivity in our community and provide comfort to everyone.

Find out more about the Society’s equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and Annual Conference.