LGBTQ+ History Month and Pioneers in STEM
What is LGBTQ+ History Month, and who are some of the LGBTQ+ figures that have shaped the world of STEM
LGBTQ+ History Month is a month-long observance of the history of the LGBTQ+ community, which aims to provide an opportunity for extensive learning about civil rights movements and progress in gay rights.
The LGBTQ+ community celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month in October. The observance was started as a call to action for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Still, over the years, it has transformed into a national collaborative effort to bring extraordinary figures from that community into the spotlight.
At Laxxon Medical, we’re proud to support LGBTQ+ History Month (October) and the figures behind some of the world’s most essential STEM breakthroughs.
6 Integral LGBTQ+ Figures that Have Shaped STEM
Sara Josephine Baker – Sara Josephine Baker was well-known for tracking down Typhoid Mary and was openly gay. Not only did she contribute to public health in New York City, but she also took a particular interest in helping to improve immigrant communities. She fought to provide better access to medical care and aid to those from all areas of the city while also assisting in training new healthcare professionals.
Ben Barres – Ben Barras was a pioneering neurobiologist at Stanford University. His work on glia brain cells revolutionized how we currently understand how the brain works. In 2013, Barres became one of the first openly transgender members to be elected to the US National Academy of Sciences.
Colin Turnbull – Colin Turnbull became one of the first anthropologists to study ethnomusicology (music from different cultures). As an activist, Turnbull supported many other causes, including prison reform and immigration culture. Unfortunately, both Turnbull and his partner Joseph Towles passed away due to AIDS.
Lauren Esposito – Esposito is an arachnologist that specializes in studying spiders and other arachnids such as scorpions. She’s also the only female expert on scorpions in the world. In addition, Esposito is the co-founder of 500 Queer Scientists, a professional and visibility network that boosts the awareness and recognition of LGBTQ+ people working in STEM.
Ruth Gates – Gates was a marine biologist and conservationist that studied coral reefs around the world. Her most well-known work included ‘super corals’ that are more resistant to global climate change and can be viewed in the documentary Chasing Coral. Ruth Gates was an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community.
Richard Summerbell – Summerfield is a world-leading mycologist (someone that studies fungi) and an expert in how fungi affect both the environment and humans. He has been a vocal LGBTQ+ activist and commentator on AIDS since the beginning of the gay liberation movement during the 1970s.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ activists who have worked to secure equal rights for the LGBTQ+ population over the years. Use October to learn about their ideas and ideologies and participate in local events.
Just six of the pioneers from the LGBTQ+ community are making waves in the STEM field. At Laxxon Medical, we take immense pride in celebrating people from all walks of life and how they contribute to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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