This ancient block of sandstone has a curious past
Throughout history, many LGBTQ+ people have contributed immensely to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often defying societal norms to pursue their passions. Despite the obstacles they faced (ranging from social stigma to outright persecution), their groundbreaking discoveries and ideas have shaped the world as we know it.
From ancient philosophers to modern pioneers, these individuals exemplify the resilience and creativity that LGBTQ+ perspectives bring to science. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which science trailblazers are believed to have been queer.
Alan Turing (1912–1954) was a British mathematician whose work in cryptography during World War II was pivotal in deciphering the German Enigma code, significantly aiding the Allied forces. Despite his monumental contributions, Turing faced persecution for his homosexuality, leading to his conviction in 1952. He tragically died by cyanide poisoning two years later.
Sally Ride (1951–2012) made history as the first American woman in space, flying aboard the Challenger shuttle in 1983. After her NASA career, she dedicated her life to science education, founding Sally Ride Science to inspire young minds. Ride's 27-year relationship with her partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, was revealed posthumously.
Famed for his theorem, the philosopher and polymath Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE) led a philosophical and religious community where male mentorship and intimate bonds were integral. Accounts of his life suggest that his relationships with male disciples transcended mere intellectual guidance.
The ultimate Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), made profound contributions to anatomy, engineering, and art. He created many famous works during his life, including the ‘Mona Lisa’ circa 1503 and ‘Vitruvian Man’ in 1490. His notebooks and close bonds with male apprentices (particularly his assistant Salai) have led many historians to believe he was gay.
Marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson (1907–1964) authored ‘Silent Spring’ in 1962, a groundbreaking book that exposed the dangers of pesticides and led to significant environmental reforms. Experts believe that her close relationship with Dorothy Freeman, documented through extensive correspondence, suggests that they shared a deep emotional bond.
Philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon (1561–1626) is credited with developing the scientific method, which is the way in which research is conducted in the modern world. Historical accounts suggest he had intimate relationships with men, including his "gentleman waiters," though societal norms of his time kept such matters discreet.
Born into slavery, George Washington Carver (1864–1943) became a renowned agricultural scientist, promoting crop rotation and discovering numerous uses for peanuts. His close relationships with men (particularly his assistant Austin W. Curtis Jr.) have led some historians to consider the possibility of his bisexuality.
Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) revolutionized health care through her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War. She maintained deep emotional connections with women, leading some to speculate about her sexuality, though she remained unmarried and dedicated to her profession.
Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727), one of history’s greatest scientific minds, laid the foundation of classical physics with his laws of motion and universal gravitation. While his personal life was shrouded in mystery, letters and accounts suggest he formed deep, emotionally intense relationships with men, though he remained celibate throughout his life.
Aristotle (384–322 BCE), a giant of philosophy and science, was also a tutor to Alexander the Great. His writings on relationships in ‘Nicomachean Ethics’ have sparked speculation about his possible bisexuality, particularly given his admiration for male friendships and partnerships in Greek society.
The revolutionary inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) contributed greatly to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. He led a celibate life, often expressing disdain for traditional marriage. Some biographers propose his close relationships with male colleagues suggest he may have been asexual or potentially harbored same-sex attractions.
Florentine astronomer Galileo (1564–1642) revolutionized astronomy and physics, yet his personal life has long intrigued historians. Letters and accounts hint at close relationships with male colleagues and students, though much remains speculative due to the constraints of his time.
Oliver Sacks (1933–2015) was a British neurologist renowned for his compelling case studies, such as his non-fiction book ‘Awakenings’ (1973), which was adapted into a feature film. He explored the human brain's complexities and, later in life, shared his experiences as a gay man, offering insight into his personal and professional worlds.
Known as the "Father of Medicine," Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BCE) emphasized observation and ethics in medicine and revolutionized the discipline in ancient Greece. Some accounts of his life and relationships suggest the possibility that he had intimate bonds with male students.
Mary Anning (1799–1847) made groundbreaking discoveries in paleontology that laid the foundation for modern geology. Her lifelong companionships with women, particularly her friend Charlotte Murchison, suggest that they shared a deeply personal connection beyond mere friendship.
Known in the West as Alhazen, Ibn al-Haytham (c. 965–1040) was a medieval Islamic scientist who revolutionized optics and vision theory. Some historians highlight the deep personal bonds he formed with male scholars and his rejection of traditional family structures as indicative of a non-heteronormative identity.
Hildegard (1098-1179), a polymath and nun of the 12th century, was renowned for combining theology, medicine, and natural science in her medical pursuits. Her close relationships with nuns in her abbey, as documented in her letters, offer hints of romantic or emotional attachments.
Ben Barres (1954-2017) was a pioneering neurobiologist whose research on glial cells revolutionized our understanding of the brain. As an openly transgender man, he was a vocal advocate for gender equality in science, becoming the first openly transgender member of the US National Academy of Sciences.
Image credit: Stanford School of Medicine
Bruce Voeller (1934–1994) was a biologist who co-founded the National Gay Task Force and coined the term "AIDS." His activism and scientific work were instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and public health awareness during the AIDS crisis.
Sara Josephine Baker (1873–1945) was a physician who significantly improved public health in New York City, notably tracking down Typhoid Mary, who infected up to 122 people before being quarantined. Baker was openly gay, and she dedicated her life to preventive health care, especially for children and immigrants.
Louise Pearce (1885–1959), an American physician, played a crucial role in developing a treatment for African sleeping sickness. Her lifelong partnership with Sara Josephine Baker and two other women formed a unique and loving household, which inspired many discussions of queer identities in early 20th-century science.
Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdős (1913–1996) was a legendary collaborator who contributed to the branches of number theory and graph theory. Although he never married and had no known romantic relationships, some scholars speculate about his asexuality or LGBTQ+ identity based on his unique lifestyle and intense personal connections.
Hypatia (350–415 CE), a renowned philosopher and mathematician of ancient Alexandria, is celebrated for her contributions to Neoplatonism and mathematics. While details about her personal life are scarce, her independence and close relationships with female students suggest that she lived a life outside traditional gender and romantic norms.
Leonhard Euler (1707–1783) was a prolific Swiss mathematician, physicist, and astronomer of the Enlightenment in the 18th century. While no direct evidence exists regarding his sexuality, some scholars interpret his deeply private life and mentorship bonds with male students as potentially indicative of an LGBTQ+ identity.
Known for conceptualizing the first mechanical computer, Charles Babbage (1791–1871) led an enigmatic personal life. His deep relationships with male collaborators, like Lord Byron, have sparked modern speculation about his sexual identity.
Walter Westman (1945–1991) was an ecologist who contributed to environmental policy and co-founded the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists. His work bridged science and activism, promoting inclusivity within the scientific community and fighting homophobia.
Soranus, a Greek physician of the 1st century CE, was a pioneer in obstetrics and gynecology. Historical accounts of his mentorship and companionship with male colleagues have led some scholars to propose that he may have had same-sex relationships. No existing illustrations of his appearance exist, and only his medical manuscripts remain.
Sources: (Wellcome Sanger Institute) (The Advocate) (Hello Bio) (Chemical & Engineering News) (Idea to Value) (Orlando Science Center) (History.com)
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Throughout history, many LGBTQ+ people have contributed immensely to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often defying societal norms to pursue their passions. Despite the obstacles they faced (ranging from social stigma to outright persecution), their groundbreaking discoveries and ideas have shaped the world as we know it.
From ancient philosophers to modern pioneers, these individuals exemplify the resilience and creativity that LGBTQ+ perspectives bring to science. Curious? Click through this gallery to see which science trailblazers are believed to have been queer.