As we move through February, the conversation around LGBTQ+ History Month typically focuses on the historical fight for legal rights; however, this year’s theme of science and innovation highlights a different aspect of that legacy. This isn’t just a historical issue; even today, nearly 28% of LGBTQ+ scientists in the UK have considered leaving their jobs due to a hostile workplace environment - a figure that rises to 50% for trans and non-binary scientists. It is easy to forget that many of the tools we use every day, from the microchips in our phones to the medical imaging in our hospitals, were pioneered by people who often had to hide who they were just to stay in a job.
When thinking about computer science, Alan Turing is often the first name that comes to mind. His role in ending the Second World War through codebreaking changed the course of history, yet his personal life was met with state-sanctioned cruelty due to his homosexuality. It’s a stark contrast to see his face on the £50 note today, serving as a reminder of how much innovation is lost when society chooses prejudice over talent. This resilience is mirrored in the story of Lynn Conway. After being fired for transitioning in the 1960s, she essentially rebuilt her career from scratch and went on to revolutionise how modern microchips are designed. Her work at Xerox PARC is a massive example of how personal identity and professional brilliance are often linked.
In the medical field, the impact of LGBTQ+ scientists has been just as life-saving. Dr. Sara Josephine Baker’s focus on preventative care for infants was groundbreaking for public health, and she lived a quiet life with her long-term partner while pioneering the hygiene standards we take for granted today. Similarly, Alan L. Hart used his expertise in radiology to champion the use of X-rays for detecting tuberculosis—a landmark move that saved thousands of lives. As a trans man in the early 20th century, his ability to push for medical advancement while navigating his own transition is a true testament to the grit it takes to be a pioneer in both your work and your life.
Innovation also exists in the tech we carry in our pockets. Sophie Wilson, a transgender computer scientist, helped co-design the ARM processor architecture. Today, that technology powers more than 60% of all smartphones globally. We also see this legacy in the work of George Washington Carver, an agricultural chemist born into slavery who transformed farming through soil enrichment. While he never made public statements about his sexuality, he spent the final decade of his life with his partner and fellow researcher, Austin W. Curtis Jr.
The story of STEM innovation also includes people like NASA's Sally Ride and modern leaders like Nergis Mavalvala, a queer person of colour and Dean of Science at MIT, who helped prove Einstein’s theories on gravitational waves. These aren't just separate stories of "science" and "activism” - they are stories of people who refused to let their identities be a barrier to their contributions. By celebrating these figures, we’re acknowledging that the best way to solve the world's biggest challenges is to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.