LGBTIQ+ Scholars within Political Science: An Exploratory Review of PSAs’ Good Practices and (Un)Available Data

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide the Italian Political Science Association (SISP) with an exploratory review of practices implemented within other national and international political science associations to assess and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, through an in-depth focus on LGBTIQ+ scholars. To do so, the article reviews publicly available documentation, such as codes of conduct, equality plans, and monitoring reports produced by selected major political science associations (including APSA, PSA, and ECPR). Our review highlights the widespread lack of systematic data on LGBTIQ+ scholars in international political science and the importance of complementing data collection within broader organizational mechanisms, such as institutional policies, political engagement, and active strategies of visibility. On this basis, we thus offer practice-informed observations tailored to the Italian context and aimed at supporting the development of a sustainable monitoring and inclusion agenda within political science associations.