“Pride in Physics” Nurtures Curiosity, Fosters Inclusivity
Pride in Physics attendees check out the night sky.
University of Central Florida SPS Chapter.
Last year we organized a new outreach event, Pride in Physics, for LGBTQ+ community members ages 13 to 24. It was hosted at Zebra Youth, a nonprofit temporary housing organization that serves this population.
We curated the evening’s agenda to maximize engagement and inspiration. It featured a series of lightning talks by SPS members, faculty presentations, socialization over dinner, and hands-on astronomical observations led by the director of the University of Central Florida’s Robinson Observatory, which was a highlight of the night. Participants observed celestial objects and gained hands-on experience with advanced astronomical equipment. We hope it enabled them to see themselves as capable of contributing to the field of astronomy.
Another highlight was a game of Kahoot! that reinforced the educational themes of the night and added a fun, competitive element, with prizes awarded to the winners. The connections we established with the local LGBTQ+ youth community were particularly meaningful, laying the groundwork for future collaborations with Zebra Youth.
