LGBTQ people in science
[1] One such example of a historical person in science that was arguably part of the LGBT community is Leonardo da Vinci, whose sexuality was later the subject of Sigmund Freud's study.
[2][3] In modern times, LGBTQ+ individuals in science still navigate a landscape shaped by discrimination, social exclusion, and professional devaluation, but increased visibility and advocacy have led to growing efforts for inclusion and equity.
Numerous organizations now work to support LGBTQ+ scientists, while companies and institutions are implementing policies aimed at fostering diversity and reducing barriers for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Issues such as the "glass closet," where individuals feel pressure to conceal their identities for career advancement, continue to highlight the ongoing need for systemic change in the scientific community.
As one of the first advocates for homosexual rights, Hirschfeld faced a great amount of backlash from newspapers claiming, for example, that "abnormal propensities" should be distanced from "mainstream medicine".
John Maynard Keynes, an English economist, changed the ideology and practice of macroeconomics, and his ideas formed the school of thought known as Keynesian economics.
Writer, physician, tubercular radiologist, and transsexual Alan L. Hart made great strides in tuberculosis detection after earning his master's degree in radiology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1928.
A key figure in twentieth-century science, Turing led a group of cryptanalysts during World War II that successfully cracked the German Enigma machine, an achievement that significantly contributed to the Allied victory.
Rather than face imprisonment, Turing accepted hormone therapy, a form of chemical castration, which severely impacted his health and well-being.
At the height of the Lavender Scare, astronomer Frank Kameny was fired by the US Army Map Service in 1957, shortly after his PhD from Harvard University.
Computer scientist Lynn Conway worked at IBM and invented a method for issuing multiple out-of-order instructions per machine cycle.
Although Carver did not make any comments on his sexuality a previous partner suggested that he was bisexual, and it is known that he lived the remainder of his life with Curtis Austin Jr. Sara Josephine Baker was a physician known by the name Doctor Jo who developed many programs for disease prevention.
As the only woman scorpion expert in the world, Esposito has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of arachnology while advocating for queer visibility in science.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in STEM, she followed her passion for biology but faced significant challenges as an openly queer individual navigating academia.
As the Director of the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, she dedicated her career to studying coral-algal symbiosis and developing strategies to help corals adapt to climate change.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Gates was deeply committed to public outreach, using documentaries like Chasing Coral to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action.
As a prolific scientist with over 150 peer reviewed publications, Summerbell's work has significantly advanced our understanding of fungi, from their role in forest ecosystems to their involvement in human infections.
His activism combined with his groundbreaking work in fungal biodiversity and public health, makes him a key figure in scientific advancements as well as LGBTQ+ visibility.
They report higher rates of both physical and mental health difficulties, as their gender identity is often more visible than sexual orientation, making them more vulnerable to discrimination.
Dylan Baker, a transgender software engineer at Google, noted that gender nonconformity or transitioning impacts all interactions in ways that sexual orientation does not, as the latter can be more easily concealed if desired.
Similarly, companies like Genentech have implemented comprehensive policies to support LGBTQ+ professionals, including offering domestic partnership benefits and establishing employee resource groups.
People like Rochelle Diamond, Ben Barres, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Dean Hamer, and Joan Roughgarden exemplify the resilience and brilliance that LGBTQ+ professionals bring to their fields.
By creating inclusive environments that value authenticity and diversity, workplaces can unlock the full potential of their teams, driving progress and innovation across many different fields.
Pride in STEM, a charitable organization based in the United Kingdom, co-founded the International Day of LGBTQ+ People in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
Research consistently demonstrates that diverse workplaces outperform less inclusive ones by fostering creativity, improving problem-solving, and enhancing employee satisfaction.
Apple's workforce reflects significant representation from underrepresented communities, and its openly gay CEO, Tim Cook, serves as a visible advocate for equity.
[63] IBM has a longstanding history of inclusion, offering domestic partner benefits since 1996 and collaborating with organizations like Out & Equal to advance workplace equity.
The company's leadership on legislative issues, including personal appeals to Congress for the Equality Act, underscores its dedication to systemic change.
[66] Pinterest stands out for publishing its own gender transition guide and earning top scores in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.
[69] The ongoing advocacy of industry leaders sets a promising precedent for workplaces of the future, where diversity and inclusion are integral to corporate success.
