Research has not been immune to social inequalities. For decades, and still today, LGBTQIA+ individuals have faced barriers that hinder their professional and personal development. The lack of role models, the pressure to conceal one’s identity, and discriminatory attitudes have shaped many careers. Giving visibility to these trajectories is not only an act of recognition but also a way to foster more inclusive, diverse, and fair scientific environments.
In this context, we highlight five key figures in the history of science who belong to the LGBTQIA+ community:
Alan Turing (1912–1954)
A mathematician, cryptographer, and pioneer of modern computing, Alan Turing is considered one of the fathers of computer science. His contributions were decisive during World War II, as he deciphered Nazi codes, significantly contributing to the Allied victory.
Despite this historic impact, his career was cut short in 1952 when his homosexuality was exposed, prosecuted, and criminalized in the United Kingdom. To avoid imprisonment, Turing accepted chemical castration, which caused physical and emotional deterioration that ultimately led to his suicide.
Sally Ride (1951–2012)
A physicist and NASA astronaut, Sally Ride was the first American woman to travel into space. She also stood out for her commitment to education and for encouraging scientific vocations among girls and young women. For much of her life, however, she kept her sexual orientation private to avoid her message being questioned. After her death, her more than 25-year relationship with writer Tam O’Shaughnessy, co-founder of the educational initiative Sally Ride Science, became public. Her legacy combines scientific excellence with advocacy for equal opportunities in STEM.
Pío del Río Hortega (1882–1945)
A Spanish physician and researcher, Pío del Río Hortega, is recognized for discovering microglia, a type of cell that supports neurons and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, an achievement that earned him two nominations for the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Río Hortega was a disciple of Santiago Ramón y Cajal. He continued his research and improved staining techniques, enabling the discovery of this new cell type. However, growing disagreements led Cajal to eventually expel him from his laboratory.
In the early 20th century, Río Hortega neither openly publicized his homosexuality nor actively concealed it. With progressive ideals, he was forced into exile in Buenos Aires, where he died in 1945 alongside his “close friend,” Nicolás Gómez del Moral.
Ben Barres (1954–2017)
Ben Barres was an American neurobiologist and a pioneer in studying interactions between neurons and glial cells, essential for understanding brain function.
He transitioned in 1997 and became the first openly transgender scientist to join the United States National Academy of Sciences. His experiences before and after transitioning enabled him to denounce gender inequalities in science and highlight the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals in academia. Barres combined scientific excellence with a strong commitment to equality and inclusion.
Sara Josephine Baker (1873–1945)
A physician and pioneer of public health in the United States, Sara Josephine Baker dedicated her career to reducing infant mortality and improving health conditions among the most vulnerable populations, especially immigrant communities in New York.
She was the first American to earn a doctorate in public health and the first director of the Bureau of Child Hygiene. Her policies and interventions saved tens of thousands of children’s lives.
In addition, Baker challenged the gender roles of her time and was an active advocate for women’s suffrage. Her personal life, in a conservative social context, also reflects the difficulty of making non-normative sexual orientations visible.
Recognizing these figures also means remembering that scientific progress has often been built despite inequalities, and that moving toward more inclusive environments is key to ensuring the future of science. Because science can only be excellent if it is also diverse, tolerant, and inclusive.
As part of LGBTIQA+ Pride Month, Campus Clínic celebrates the event "Building a Diverse and Inclusive Clínic: tools, perspectives and strategies to transform the institutional culture"
