Despite facing significant discrimination and adversity, many LGBTQ professionals have made remarkable strides in the field of infectious disease.
The contributions of LGBTQ individuals to healthcare have often gone unrecognized. This post celebrates several LGBTQ contributors past and present. Each is driven by a passion for science and a commitment to breaking barriers and improving public health.
Dr. Sara Josephine Baker: pioneer in public health
(Nov. 15, 1873 – Feb. 22, 1945) An early LGBTQ contributor was Dr. Sara Josephine Baker, who, in the early 20th century, made significant contributions to public health. As a lesbian working in a male-dominated field, Dr. Baker faced considerable prejudice. However, her pioneering work in child hygiene and epidemiology led to a drastic reduction in infant mortality rates in New York City.
Alan Turing: unsung hero of computational biology
(June 23, 1912 – June 7, 1954) While best known for his work in computer science, Alan Turing also made groundbreaking contributions to biology and medicine. Turing’s theories laid the groundwork for much of modern computational biology—a field essential to understanding infectious diseases. Persecuted for his homosexuality, Turing’s contributions were largely unrecognized during his lifetime but have since been acknowledged as foundational.
“Pride reminds us that we are a strong, resilient, and powerful community that fights hate with love.” ADM Rachel Levine, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis: leading the fight against HIV/AIDS
(1972 – ) Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, an openly gay physician, has been a formidable force in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He has served as director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention in the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention since 2020. In 2022, he was appointed White House National Monkeypox Response Deputy Coordinator.
As the Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Disease Control at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Daskalakis has implemented groundbreaking strategies to combat the HIV epidemic, focusing on prevention, education, and treatment.
In a 2021 interview with TheBody, Dr. Daskalakis spoke about the need to make science accessible to all, especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to further health equity.
“At the core, making the science accessible, to all communities, no matter their gender — male, female, trans — and no matter their race or ethnicity; that’s where the rubber hits the road. That’s where that equity conversation becomes the pivotal conversation.”
Dr. Rachel Levine: beacon of hope and progress
(1957 – ) Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, is another present-day LGBTQ contributor to healthcare. As Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Levine has helped to lead public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid crisis. Her leadership and advocacy for LGBTQ health equity have brought much-needed attention to these critical issues.
At the start of Pride Month 2024, Dr. Levine posted this message on the social media platform X:
“Pride reminds us that we are a strong, resilient, and powerful community that fights hate with love. I am a positive and optimistic person, and I believe that working together, we can create a healthier, better future for all people living in the United States.”
