LGBTQ+ History Month - Trailblazing Figures in Medicine
This year, as in previous years, we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month throughout the month of February in the UK. The 2024 theme is Medicine - #UnderTheScope, which recognises the contribution of LGBTQ+ people to the field of medicine and healthcare, both historically and today.
To mark the occasion, we highlight and honour some of the remarkable contributions of historical LGBTQ+ individuals who left an indelible mark on the field of medicine and healthcare worldwide.
An early pioneer in chest radiography in tuberculosis detection, Dr. Hart was also one of the first individuals to undergo gender-affirming surgery. As a transgender man, he courageously navigated both the medical and societal challenges of his time, ultimately making significant advancements in pulmonary medicine. He helped implement TB screening programmes that saved thousands of lives.
Dr. Louise Pearce (1885–1959) - United States
Dr. Pearce, a prominent physician and pathologist, and one of the foremost female scientists of the early 20th century, played a pivotal role for her research and development of a treatment for trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness).
In 1920, following a severe outbreak of the disease in the Belgian Congo, Dr. Pearce ventured out into field research and went alone to Leopoldville to test the new drug they had developed. Belgian officials were very impressed and grateful for her results and awarded her the Ancient Order of the Crown and elected her a member of the Belgian Society of Tropical Medicine.
Louise lived with Sara Josephine Baker and author Ida A.R. Wylie, all members of Heterodoxy, a feminist bi-weekly luncheon discussion club, of which many members were lesbian or bisexual.
Her groundbreaking work in parasitology and immunology significantly impacted global healthcare, challenging gender norms in science along the way.
Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld (1868–1935) – Germany
Renowned as a sexologist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Dr. Hirschfeld co-founded the first LGBTQ+ advocacy group, the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee. His work laid the foundation for understanding human sexuality and paved the way for advancements in sexual health education.
He wrote and lectured widely on these topics, treated and advised patients, and worked to promote the rights of those who did not conform to existing gender or sexual norms.
After Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor in 1933, Hirschfeld was forced to live in exile. The Nazis vandalised his Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin and forced it to close.
Dr. Louisa Martindale (1872–1966) – United Kingdom
Dr. Louisa Martindale set up a private practice in Brighton and was the first woman GP. She developed the New Sussex Hospital for Women where she was a senior surgeon and physician. She later became a specialist in the early treatment of cervical cancer and was awarded a CBE in 1931. Louisa lived with her partner Ismay FitzGerald for 30 years and in her autobiography “A Woman Surgeon” she speaks openly of her love for Ismay.
Dr. Lydia Foy (1947) – Ireland
In March 1993, Dr. Lydia Foy applied to the office of the Registrar General for a new birth certificate to reflect her gender. She was refused and so began to fight for her right to be recognised as a woman by the Irish state.
Finally in 2015, the Gender Recognition Act was passed, and Lydia became the first person to be recognised under the act.
Sir Peter Piot (1949) – Belgium
A key figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Sir Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus and played a crucial role in the global response to infectious diseases.
His leadership in public health has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
These trailblazers faced societal prejudices and personal challenges, yet their resilience and dedication to advancing medical knowledge has left an enduring legacy.
As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, let us reflect on the progress made and continue to champion inclusivity in the field of medicine.
