The McCarthy hearings of the 1950s brought gay scientists into the spotlight by sanctioning overt discrimination in the workplace: Many lost their security clearances, some their professions and livelihoods. Since then, gay, lesbian, and bisexual scientists have been fearful of being themselves around their colleagues and employees. The gay liberation of the 1970s inspired some gay scientists to form their own groups, so that gays who shared the scientific bent could meet each other, network, and support each other through their experiences.
At the January 1980 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a special session was held to discuss problems arising from homophobia in the scientific workplace. From that session emerged the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP). Over the past 14 years, NOGLSTP has monitored the changing landscape of homophobia and discrimination through the eyes of its membership.
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