18 November, 2021

Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQ+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQ+ people in polar research and operations, the day was originally designated by the Government of the British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) in 2020. Here are some of the ways the BAS community is marking Polar Pride.

Celebrating in the UK

The Progress Pride flag flies in front of the BAS Cambridge Office today to celebrate Polar Pride 2021.

A sign in front of a building
Image provided by Pilvi Muschitiello.

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Pride Network have worked with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), BAS and colleagues to create an engaging and inclusive online celebration to mark the day, with similar internal events being held in other organisations, including those of Diversity in UK Polar Science (DiPSI) Committee members.

BAS Quaternary Geologist Dr Stephen Roberts and Marine Biogeographer Dr Huw Griffiths have shared their stories for UKRI’s ‘Take Pride in research & innovation‘ online piece, while PhD Researcher Penny Clarke has created a bespoke Polar Pride infographic to accompany her new paper, published today.

Created by Penny Clarke.

Celebrating in the polar regions

The Rothera Research Station team took part in a specially themed daily weather balloon launch in Antarctica this morning to celebrate Polar Pride 2021!

A group of people that are standing in the snow
Image provided by Nadia Frontier, with balloon design by John Law.

Atmospheric Scientist John Law flew the Progress Pride flag at Rothera Skiway Automatic Weather Station while conducting maintenance checks.

A man flying through the air on a snow covered slope
Image provided by John Law.

The Progress Pride flag also flew on South Georgia today as the King Edward Point Research Station team celebrated Polar Pride day.

A man riding skis down a snow covered mountain
Image provided by Jerry Gillham.

Celebrating at sea

The Progress Pride flag also flies onboard RRS Sir David Attenborough today to celebrate Polar Pride 2021 as the ship heads south for its maiden voyage to Antarctica.

A close up of a light pole
Image provided by Rich Turner.

Diversity in UK Polar Science

The Diversity in UK Polar Science initiative, conceived and funded by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office Polar Regions Department, celebrates existing diversity, and takes an important step forward to promote and enhance Antarctic science opportunities to under-represented groups, including women, people from ethnic minorities, BAME, LGBTQ+ community and people with a disability. Explore online resources here.

Join the celebrations online with #PolarPride2021, #LGBTSTEMDay and #DiversityinPolarScience.