There are many reasons to be anxious and depressed in the news every day, from bird populations disappearing to hate crimes, so it was refreshing to attend our campus’ Queer Students & Allies in STEM (qSTEM) event last week. Seeing so many of our students (and faculty) showing their support, hearing their stories, and witnessing these students’ strength and resolve to make things better gave me optimism for our future - something in short supply these days.