Lesbians make the world go round
BY SHANNON MOYCE, IMAGE BY AFRICA IMAGE
When we think of groundbreaking inventions, whose names typically come to mind? Perhaps Edison, Bell, or Ford. But what if we told you that some of the innovations that have profoundly shaped our modern world came from the brilliant minds of lesbians? This Lesbian Visibility Week, prepare to have your perceptions shifted as we uncover surprising things you didn’t know were connected to the ingenuity and vision of lesbians.
Sara Josephine Baker – Infant Formula
Dr. Sara Josephine Baker wasn’t just a pioneering physician; she was a revolutionary force in public health, particularly when it came to the most vulnerable: infants. One crucial innovation was a life-saving infant formula composed of readily available ingredients like water, calcium carbonate, lactose, and cow’s milk. This accessible alternative empowered families and contributed significantly to the dramatic reduction of infant deaths. By the time she retired from her work in 1923, New York City had the lowest infant mortality rate among all major American cities. Dr Sara Josephine Baker was an openly gay woman and would often dress in masculine attire such as suits to distract people from the fact that she was a woman working in this industry.
Sally Ride – Education in Science
As the first American woman in space, Sally Ride’s 1983 flight aboard the Challenger STS-7 was a monumental achievement, during which she served as a flight engineer and deployed two communication satellites. Beyond her incredible journey, Sally Ride, alongside her longtime partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, recognised the need to inspire future generations in STEM. Together, they co-founded an organisation dedicated to encouraging young people, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Their development of innovative educational materials, engaging programs, and comprehensive teacher training continues to directly shape the learning experiences of students today, fostering the growth of future scientists and innovators.
Ruth Gates – Marine Conservation
As a dedicated marine biologist, Dr. Ruth Gates focused her life’s work on the urgent conservation of coral reefs in the face of accelerating climate change. She predicted that over 90% of the world’s coral reefs could perish by 2050. Determined to act against this, she researched the harmful impact of specific chemicals in suncream, leading to a significant ban on those chemicals in Hawaii, home to 80% of US coral reefs. Her innovative strategies for coral survival represent vital new conservation methods in this environmental crisis, leaving a lasting impact on the fight to protect these ecosystems.
Gertrude Stein – Modern Art and Literature
The American writer Gertrude Stein was a true innovator, her experimental writing style forging entirely new pathways in literature. Her distinctive use of language, rhythm, and repetition proved deeply influential. Beyond her own literature work, Gertrude Stein, alongside her life partner Alice B. Toklas, was a pivotal figure in the Parisian avant-garde. Their celebrated salon at their home became a vital hub, drawing together some of the most significant writers and artists of the era, including Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. Through her collecting and enthusiastic championing of these talents, Gertrude Stein is also recognised as a key early advocate for Cubism, further cementing her profound impact on the artistic movements of the 20th century.
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