Out in the Field
Let’s embrace LGBTQIA+ members across the wildlife profession
Respect & Safety for LGBTQIA+ Wildlife Professionals
Out in the Field (OitF) is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms. We are doing this by creating a network of LGBTQIA+ wildlife conservation professionals and allies that welcomes and supports one another.
All are welcome! No TWS membership is required to join.
Announcements
Travel Grants: The Wildlife Society’s Out in The Field Initiative is proud to announce we are offering three travel grants to assist in offsetting the cost of attending the 2026 TWS Annual Conference in Des Moines. Preference for funding will be given to applicants who have a role in the conference, but this is not a requirement to be considered for the grant. All application materials (application pdf link here) must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on Aug. 14 (Friday) for consideration. A recipient must be a member in good standing of the TWS at the time of application, and support the mission of Out in The Field.
Please send this application (or contact us if you have any questions) by email to:
Andrew Tri, OiTF Travel Grants Team Lead
Email: [email protected] (include “TWS OiTF Annual Conference Grant” in the subject line of the email)
The Data About LGBTQIA+ Experiences at Work in STEM
30%
More likely to experience workplace harassment (Source study)
5X
More likely to experience harassment in project-based teams vs traditional units (Source study)
20%
More likely to have professional experience questioned or devalued (Source study)
Out in the Field Goals
- Increase visibility of LGBTQIA+ wildlifers in TWS,
- Build a community of LGBTQIA+ wildlifers, and
- Identify ways to support LGBTQIA+ wildlifers, including students, in the wildlife profession.
Ways to Support OitF
First and foremost, join us! Add your voice to our community!
2019
Our History
In 2019, Travis Booms published an article describing his experience as a gay wildlife biologist. This inspired other queer wildlife biologists to start a community. That fall, they launched Out in the Field at The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada. Ever since, our initiative has continued to grow and engage the LGBTQIA+ community.
2024 and 2025
We Bring People Together
In both 2024 and 2025, TWS conference surveys, completed by attendees, consistently generated rave reviews about OitF’s events and social offerings. We’re proud that of the hundreds of talks, meetings and other events that happen at each conference, our message of inclusivity and warm welcomes stands out to so many.
“What did you like most about our conference?”
“The Out in the Field gatherings were excellent – well attended, positive, great energy. I’m proud to be a member of TWS and our sincere support of a diverse professional society and profession.”
“The Out in the Field group was such a welcome addition to the conference and truly made me feel more comfortable and welcomed. Their presence truly made a difference in making my experience at the conference great!”
“The Out in the Field Social and inclusion they brought to the whole venue.”
Our Leadership
- Travis Booms (he/him) — Main contact
[email protected] - Colleen Olfenbuttel (she/her) — Secondary contact
[email protected] - Katie O’Donnell (she/her)
- Liz Hilliard (she/her)
- Silas Fischer (they/them)
- Adam Janke (he/him)
- Andy Tri (he/him)
- Alan Harrington (he/him)
- Carter Freymiller (he/him)
