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Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals are critically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workplaces and often face negative workplace experiences, such as social isolation and pressures to conceal their LGBTQIA+ identity. We investigate how different pride flags influence perceptions of allyship and identity‐safety in STEM environments. In Study 1, LGBTQIA+ identifying STEM employees viewed an STEM workplace with a manager that displayed an inclusive pride flag, a straight ally flag, or no flag and reported their impressions of the manager and anticipated identity‐safety at the organization. Study 2 replicated and extended Study 1 in a non‐STEM sample of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Results indicated that both inclusive pride flags and straight ally flags signal allyship; however, the straight ally flag was both associated with perceptions that the manager wished to show humility toward the LGBTQIA+ community and also distance themself from the LGBTQIA+ community. We discuss how differing perceptions due to displaying the straight ally flag or the inclusive pride flag may impact LGBTQIA+ individuals’ belonging in STEM.
Moser et al. (Thu,) studied this question.