“I’m a biologist specialized in T-cells. When I first took an immunology course, I absolutely fell in love. It takes me to a higher place of joy. I’m fascinated by its simplicity and its complexity at the same time. It’s like being a child on a treasure hunt. And it feels really good when you make a scientific discovery. It happened to me once, and at this moment, I was the only person in the world to have that knowledge!

Science is for everyone, but science…isn’t for queer people. According to institutional science, a real scientist is a very manly man. Because only manly men are capable of thinking at a higher level (laughs)! I was taking an ecology class, and we had to do field work. And you’re required wear these awful brown looking shoes and cargo pants. I just couldn’t! So I showed up in a leggings and boots with heels. I accomplished what I needed to do in the field, but I still got that vitriolic look that seemed to say I just wasn’t fit for this type of activity. And it made me wonder: is this right for me? I really had to fight to hold on.

I have never met a scientist like myself, a queer scientist. When people see me, one immediate assumption is that I work in fashion. Then comes the shock : “OMG, I’m so surprised” (laughs). Once I was walking in New York and a group of guys asked me : “How much?” Recently in Genève, in the Paquis neighborhood, I was waiting for a friend and a prostitue came to me and said : “Hey, that’s my corner!” People often also think that of me…

But I think that’s changing and that’s beautiful. I’ve seen how women fought for their seat at the table of science. That inspired me and I thought: maybe I can do that. I want to help break down those barriers. I want to be someone whose visible to young people. Because there are a lot of queer teens who might feel like they don’t have a place at that table. I want to show them that as long as you do the work, you not only have a seat at the table, but you are so welcome at it.”

(Rue de Carouge | Original English)