Celebrating Pride Month 2023 by Honoring STEM Innovators

In celebration of Pride Month, Capitol Technology University is recognizing influential individuals from the LGBTQ+ community who have made significant contributions to STEM. In addition to their professional achievements, they also served or continue to serve as vocal advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented communities. 

We are honored to share their stories. 

J. Michael Bailey 

J. Michael Bailey is an openly gay psychologist who is best known for his contributions to the study of human sexuality. His research has made significant advancements in the understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, specifically through his work on sexual orientation and research on the nature, development, and causes of homosexuality. 

He is well-known for his book "The Man Who Would Be Queen: The Science of Gender-Bending and Transsexualism," which challenged conventional notions about gender and sexuality and has led to ongoing debates within the scientific community. 

Bailey is a renowned educator, mentor, and advocate for efforts that raise awareness and provide scientific insights into LGBTQ+ experiences. 

 

Sara Josephine Baker 

A physician and public health pioneer, Sara Josephine Baker made significant contributions to disease prevention and child health in the early 20th century. She revolutionized health care practices by implementing innovative strategies such as hygiene education, maternal and child health clinics, and targeted community outreach. Her efforts led to significant improvements in infant survival rates and helped establish the field of public health nursing.  

Baker was openly lesbian, and her dedication to improving the well-being of marginalized communities, particularly immigrants and low-income families in New York City, made her a prominent figure in public health and a catalyst for social reform. 

 

Ben Barres 

A transgender neurobiologist, Ben Barres made significant contributions to the understanding of the nervous system. As the chair of the neurology department at Stanford University, his research focused on glial cells, revealing their importance in brain development and function by better understanding how these cells help neurons mature so they can create the connections that are the basis for learning and memory.  

Barres was an unrelenting advocate for gender equality and diversity in academia. His efforts to improve inclusivity and challenge gender biases have left a lasting impact on the scientific and LGBTQ+ communities. In 2013, he became the first openly transgender individual elected to the National Academy of Sciences. 

 

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is a highly regarded theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and social justice advocate. They are known for their groundbreaking contributions to the fields of astrophysics and particle physics, particularly in the study of dark matter and black holes. Prescod-Weinstein's research focuses on understanding the fundamental aspects of the universe, including its origins and composition. 

As a queer Black woman, they are also a vocal advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity in the sciences, working to address issues of underrepresentation and systemic biases within the field. Through their activism and writings, Prescod-Weinstein has become a prominent figure in promoting social justice in STEM, challenging systemic biases, and striving for a more inclusive scientific community. 

 

Sally Ride 

Sally Ride was an accomplished American astronaut and physicist who made history as the first American woman to travel to space. She joined NASA's astronaut program in 1978 and flew aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1983. As a lesbian woman, her space missions helped pave the way for gender equality and inspired countless women and LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue careers in STEM. 

Alongside her groundbreaking achievements, Ride was also known for her dedication to science education. After leaving NASA, she focused on promoting science literacy among young people, particularly girls, through her work as a professor, author, and co-founder of Sally Ride Science, an organization that aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. 

 

Martine Rothblatt 

A prominent entrepreneur, author, and advocate, Martine Rothblatt is known for her groundbreaking work in biotechnology and telecommunications. She founded Sirius Satellite Radio and United Therapeutics – a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for rare diseases – and has played a pivotal role in advancing medical research and innovation. 

A transgender woman, Rothblatt is also known for her activism in promoting transgender rights and advocating for gender identity equality in areas like access to health care and legal recognition.