[FRC Blog] FRC and LGBT+

[Hallry]

Posted on the FRC Blog (http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/blog/), 5/23/16: http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/blog/FRC-and-LGBT%2B

FRC and LGBT+

Written by Frank Merrick, 2016 MAY 23.


In case you don’t know, and might be interested, there is a blog run by LGBT+ students in FRC for LGBT+ folks in the FRC community. You can find it here (http://lgbt-of-first.tumblr.com/).

I think this blog is a great idea, and would feel the same for any segment of the FRC community that might not always feel fully welcomed, and wanted their own customized space to talk about their experiences, share resources, and maybe help people not familiar with their situation learn more. I want to believe that all of FRC is welcoming of the full, magnificent diversity of our species on this planet, but I know that when it comes down to it in practice, that is not always true, and it hurts my heart.

As part of my job, I’m lucky enough to meet all kinds of people, from CEOs, to politicians, to students from all over the world, to AmeriCorps VISTA program members, just barely scraping by and supporting FIRST in underserved communities in the U.S. And my personal experience with these individuals, regardless of the size of their bank account, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, or any other attribute, is overwhelmingly positive. If I were mentoring an FRC team, and you were an LGBT+ student or mentor, or a member of any other marginalized group, for you I would have a slice of pizza on a paper plate, a seat at the workbench, and open arms.

It’s not perfect out there, and sometimes it’s absolutely awful, but I’m seeing positive changes, both in society and in FRC, and I can imagine a day, not impossibly distant, when we recognize and value each other for who we are, in all our glorious diversity.

Frank

[Akash Rastogi]

Good Guy Frank strikes again.

[Chris is me]

It's fantastic to see this resource get official acknowledgement from the top of FRC!

[notmattlythgoe]

open arms

Or a handshake, whichever is preferred.

[Madison]

<3

[marshall]

Or a handshake, whichever is preferred.

Bingo! Ohh, wait... ;)

Good stuff from Frank though.

[Mr_Moko]

I must say, this is certainly a pleasant surprise to see. We didn't expect to recognized byou FIRST nearly this fast. I personally thought it might take a few years.
It makes all of the admins of the blog happy to see this and we'd like to thank FIRST for supporting us even though we're very new to the space.

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/runescape2/images/5/5b/Party_popper.gif

[5113sean]

I must say, this is certainly a pleasant surprise to see. We didn't expect to recognized byou FIRST nearly this fast. I personally thought it might take a few years.
It makes all of the admins of the blog happy to see this and we'd like to thank FIRST for supporting us even though we're very new to the space.

We were so excited to see this! Thank you so much! We thought this would be small for a while, maybe only affect the admins and their teams, but we were pleasantly surprised to surpass 100 followers! On behalf of the rest of the admins, thank you so much! (How many times did I say "thank you?")

[Karthik]

It's leaders like Frank and statements like this blog post that make me proud to be a member of this community. Bravo.

[Jon Stratis]

I am sorry to see that even the top of FIRST has began to fall. This topic is irrelevant in FIRST. People who are lgbt are not oppressed at competition and i have never heard of a team ask that question in their scouting data so this is a shame to see corrupting our great community.

This is incredibly narrow minded. I have talked with more team leaders than I can count that have encountered issues with this. Just imagine, as a team leader, if you have someone who identifies as an opposite gender and you're making hotel arrangements for your team. Where do you put this student?

This is a real issue for teams. As is discrimination in every form. I will tell you, my team (which is all girls) has been discriminated against and harassed at competition in the past. But based on your reply, talking openly about gender equality would be irrelevant.

Just because you haven't encountered an issue with something doesn't mean it's not a problem.

[MrRoboSteve]

I've learned a lot by reading the blog. For those considering coming out to the FIRST community, many mentors and volunteers are your allies, ready to stand behind you in your journey.

[nlknauss]

FIRST is absolutely one of the most accepting communities for all people interested in engineering, robotics, and all the fun associated but it is not immune to problems associated with social justice. Our community is working with students at a tremendously important time of their lives, and it is important to acknowledge many students take on social justice issues on their own without the majority knowing about it. The creation of this community will be a great resource for those seeking a voice and others willing to listen in order to further mature our community.

I am tremendously proud of the students for putting this group together, and look forward to seeing how the resource continues evolves.

[PayneTrain]

The more money that is spent to retain Frank Merrick for the future of FRC, the less I will complain about the reg fee. He's a gem.

[Tom Line]

The more money that is spent to retain Frank Merrick for the future of FRC, the less I will complain about the reg fee. He's a gem.

It's pretty easy for someone to stand up on a bully pulpit like Frank's and make statements that make people happy.

The difference is that Frank has backed it up. He's helped FIRST become more transparent. He's definitely helped the community come closer to FIRST as an entity. FIRST needs to keep this guy. Give him a raise, or five.

Hey Frank, you constantly hear our gripes in the community here on Chief Delphi. How about making FIRST a little more human and do the reverse - let's see a day in the life of a couple of the FIRST employees and their struggles and frustrations. Spread the veil a bit. Give us a couple 'how I work' interviews, or even some videos.

[DonRotolo]

Somebody cutting onions in here? <snif>

[IKE]

I am glad to see FIRST leadership engaging in such efforts.

For those interested in a professional society:
https://www.ostem.org/about

From their page:
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. The national society has been built by students, for students. We started as a single chapter in 2005, and today we encompass more than 50 chapters across the country.

[planetbrilliant]

As other mods have already said, it was an incredible surprise to see this posted on the official FIRST blog. Thank you everyone, for your support! <3