Working Conditions for LGBTQ+ People in Academia: An Empirical Study of Diversity, (Self)Censorship and Academic Freedom

In Norway, we are lacking systematic research-based knowledge about working conditions among researchers, students and employees who identify as 'queer' (LGBTQ+) at higher education and research institutions. Existing statistics focus mainly on gender balance and ethnic diversity. Research from other countries shows that discrimination, self-censorship and minority stress are widespread. A pilot study from 2022 among members of the national Queer Research Group (n=16) indicated that similar challenges exist in Norway. Statistics Norway findings from 2023 show that queer people experience a lower quality of life than heterosexuals, and that working and study conditions are a contributing factor in minority stress and discrimination. With this survey, we want to go out broadly to collect responses from queer students, researchers and employees in Norwegian academia and analyze them. On this basis, we can contribute to important knowledge about the real challenges with diversity and working conditions in today's academia, and come up with concrete proposals for measures and improvements.

The survey is completely anonymous. The research has been approved by SIKT. We will never publish data that can identify individuals, such as answer combinations with location, research field and ethnic or religious background. You consent to the survey by clicking on the link below:

Link to survey in English:

https://nettskjema.no/a/queeracademiaenglish

The project is financed by University of Stavanger and Kristiania University College