The STEM field has historically been male-dominated, and women have often had to work harder to gain recognition and respect. LGBTQ+ women, however, face even greater challenges. Yet, many of these women have broken barriers and made remarkable contributions that changed the world. Many have thrived and shone in the STEM Field. These amazing women have not only faced challenges in the field but also bias and discrimination and still became successful. By overcoming these challenges, they have created paths for future generations of women in STEM.
Sally Ride was the first American female astronaut in space. Not only was she the first American woman, but also the first LGBTQ+ member. Ride joined NASA’s astronaut program in 1978, a year after NASA finally opened applications to women. She faced a lot of challenges from NASA, as many believed women were not suited or qualified for NASA’s mission. Later she grows on to become famous. Ride guarded her private life fiercely and only stuff about her, such as her sexuality, was released at her obituary. In 2001, she co-founded the company, Sally Ride Science, with her life partner, Tam Elizabeth O'Shaughnessy, a former tennis player whom she had been together with for 27 years. Ride’s legacy lives on, inspiring countless young women and LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue careers in science and space.
Sara Josephine Baker made massive advancements in public health at a time when women physicians were rare. She was the first to receive a medical degree from New York University. She opened a private practice in New York in 1899 and also worked part-time as a medical inspector for the city. Her dedication to improving children’s health in New York City’s poor neighborhoods helped drastically reduce infant mortality rates. She is also famous for tracking down the “Typhoid Mary” disease and effectively putting up measures to halt it. Baker had a lifelong partnership with Ida Wylie and was a member of Heterodoxy, a feminist luncheon discussion club, which also was a safe space for gender and sexuality identities.
Nergis Mavalvala is an astrophysicist who has significantly contributed to our understanding of gravitational waves. Born in Pakistan, Mavalvala is an openly LGBTQ+ scientist and a professor of astrophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Along with her team, Mavalvala detected gravitational waves which pretty much confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity and opened new ways to understanding the universe. She has faced discrimination, not only as a woman and LGBTQ+ individual but also as a person of color. Nonetheless, Mavalvala’s work continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, inspiring students and scientists worldwide.
These remarkable women — Sally Ride, Sara Josephine Baker, and Nergis Mavalvala — represent the courage, resilience, and determination it takes to thrive in the STEM fields, especially as LGBTQ+ individuals. Every one of them, not only made huge discoveries and advancements but also opened doors for future generations. By pushing boundaries and breaking through societal limitations, they have shown that STEM is a field for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background. Their stories not only encourage young people to dream big but also send a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity in science. They showed that it doesn’t matter what your gender or sexual orientation is, if you have the will and dedication, you will also be able to take the leap and discover fascinating things.
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