Best practices for LGBTQ plus inclusion during ecological fieldwork: Considering safety, cis/heteronormativity and structural barriers

1. LGBTQ+ individuals face unique barriers to participation in ecology. Such barri-ers are particularly relevant during fieldwork, including physical and discrimina-tory risks, increased isolation and noninclusive infrastructure.2. To make science and fieldwork more accessible to LGBTQ+ people, we must consider safety and survival needs along with personal LGBTQ+ affirmation. In this paper, we discuss alleviating barriers to participation in field ecology, identify best practices for institutions and provide advice for LGBTQ+ field re-searchers and heterosexual advocates.3. Synthesis and applications. We recommend that mentors and institutions take ac-tion on the safety, financial, medical and administrative support needed by field researchers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or other marginalized gender and sexual identities (LGBTQ+) field researchers. We also suggest that LGBTQ+ field ecologists prioritize their wellbeing and safety, and recommend maintaining connection to LGBTQ+ communities and identities during isolating fieldwork.