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The month of February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, this year the theme is ‘Science and Innovation’, so we thought we would bring you one pioneering figure in both STEM and LGBTQ+ rights per week.
Who Was Sally Ride?
Sally Ride (1951–2012) was an American physicist and astronaut who became the first American woman in space. She was a brilliant scientist, educator, and role model who inspired millions of young people — especially girls — to pursue careers in science and technology.
What Did Sally Ride Do?
In 1983, Sally Ride flew aboard the space shuttle Challenger, making history at just 32 years old. She later flew on another mission in 1984, conducting important scientific experiments in orbit.
After leaving NASA, Ride became a professor of physics and dedicated her life to science education. She co-founded Sally Ride Science, an organization that created books, programs, and resources to encourage young people — particularly girls — to explore careers in STEM.
She also served on important government panels investigating major space missions, including the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters.
How Did Sally Ride Impact LGBTQ+ History?
Sally Ride was also part of LGBT history. Although she kept her personal life private while alive, it was revealed after her death that she had been in a long-term relationship with a woman, making her the first known LGBT astronaut.
Her story has become meaningful for LGBT representation in STEM, showing that LGBT people have always been part of scientific progress — even when they felt they had to hide their identities due to social pressures.
What Can We Learn From Sally Ride?
Sally Ride’s life teaches us powerful lessons:
- Barriers can be broken with determination and talent.
- Women and LGBT people belong in science and innovation.
- Education can change lives and open opportunities.
- You don’t have to fit stereotypes to succeed in STEM.
Her legacy continues through the many students she inspired and the doors she opened in both space exploration and equality in science.
What’s on at UoP?
Thursday 19th February (16:30-18:30) - Eldon room 1.009 - ResLife are hosting an interactive lecture on Margaret Thatcher and LGBT rights.
Friday 27th February (17:30-20:30) - Eldon room 1.004 - ResLife are hosting a film screening on the Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Useful links
LGBTQ+ History Month: Alan Turing
The month of February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, this year the theme is ‘Science and Innovation’, so we thought we would bring you one pioneering figure in both STEM and LGBTQ+ rights per week. Don’t miss out on these great events being hosted at UoP, also mentioned in this article.
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