The Pride in the CIC Member Resource Group (Pride MRG) was established in 2024 for CIC Members who have a common interest in advancing the rights of chemists, chemical engineers and chemical technologists who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (“2SLGBTQ+” is an acronym that stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities).
We welcome all CIC members and encourage you to take part in our events and activities, such as our annual Pride Mixer at the CSC Conference – generously sponsored by Gilead Sciences.
Mission
- To advance inclusion and equitable treatment of Members who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ within the chemical sciences through advocacy and professional and educational opportunities.
- To provide resources, guidance and support to Members by having information available on the MRG website and providing events and opportunities for mentorship; and
- To liaise with the CIC, its subject divisions, MRGs, and WIDE, and to form connections and collaborations with other national and international groups to advocate for the equitable treatment of 2SLGBTQ+ scientists in Canada.
Pride Executives
- John Hayward (he/him), Chair, University of Windsor
- Marissa Clapson (she/her/elle), Vice Chair, University of Prince Edward Island
- Lauren Renaud (she/her), Secretary, University of Windsor
- Nola Etkin (she/her), Treasurer, University of Prince Edward Island
- Vacant, Media Officer
- Roman Belli (he/him), Member-at-Large, University of Minnesota (University of Winnipeg, Jan 2025)
- Yanan Li (he/him), Member-at-Large, Toronto Metropolitan University
- Jenna Merk (she/her), Member-at-Large, University of Regina
- Gloria D’Amaral (she/her), Member-at-Large, University of Windsor
Dec. 15 – 20, 2025
It Gets Better: Pride in (Pacifi)Chem
Sponsored by Gilead Sciences
Organizers: Tricia Carmichael (CSC, University of Windsor), Nola Etkin (CSC, University of Prince Edward Island), John Hayward (CSC, University of Windsor), Alice Motion (RACI, University of Sydney), Tiago Vieira (ACS, Deerfield Management), Tehshikk Yoon (ACS, UW-Madison)
It has been well-established that diversity is essential to creating an innovative, creative and effective organization. However, this requires an inclusive and equitable environment in which everyone can thrive, and where all people feel free to bring their full selves. For members of the LGBTQ+ communities, inclusion has not always been forthcoming or expected, often leading to profound impacts on both personal and professional levels.
In this conference symposium, we will bring together the LGBTQ+ community and allies to establish a supportive network and discuss initiatives to improve inclusive culture in industry, government and academia. The symposium will feature presentations on student, faculty and government/NGO perspectives and experiences as LGBTQ+ community members in Chemistry, and will also showcase the achievements of some of our most successful LGBTQ+ scientists, intertwined with their perspectives on inclusion within their careers.
