Skip to main content
Worcester Polytechnic Institute homeWPI News home
Story
16 of 25

WPI Commemorates LGBTQIAP+ History Month 2025

Every October, WPI commemorates LGBTQIAP+ History Month alongside communities nationwide as a tribute to the trailblazers whose legacies persist in shaping history, an acknowledgment of the struggles and resilience of LGBTQIAP+ individuals, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive community for everyone. This month serves not just as a celebration of the LGBTQIAP+ community, but also as an acknowledgment of the bravery it takes to live without fear, the advances achieved through decades of activism, and the ongoing work necessary to ensure equality and respect for every identity. What is the meaning of LGBTQIAP+? The acronym LGBTQIAP+ encompasses the identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, and pansexual individuals. The addition of the “+” serves as a reminder that language evolves continuously and that there are countless more identities and experiences than those represented here. WPI recognizes and celebrates every individual in our community. It welcomes all and sees individuals for who they really are and what potential they hold to achieve their best selves. A Short History In 1994, Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson initiated LGBTQIAP+ History Month, motivated by the belief that students should learn about the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. October was selected because it already commemorated significant dates such as: National Coming Out Day (11 October). The commemorations of the 1979 and 1987 Marches on Washington for LGBTQ+ Rights. The commemoration of Matthew Shepard (October 12), whose hate-crime murder spurred the creation of hate-crime laws. The month is now recognized across the country in educational institutions and communities as a period of visibility, learning, and festivity. Recognizing Leaders in STEM & Beyond As a STEM-focused university, WPI is proud to highlight LGBTQIAP+ leaders whose contributions continue to shape the world: Abhik Ghosh: Abhik Ghosh is an Indian inorganic chemist and materials scientist and a professor of chemistry at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, Norway. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an award-winning physicist, feminist, and activist who specializes in theoretical cosmology and particle physics. She is an associate professor of physics and astronomy and core faculty in women's studies at the University of New Hampshire. Prescod-Weinstein is the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical cosmology and the first to hold a faculty position in the field. Lauren Esposito: Lauren Esposito is the assistant curator and Schlinger chair of Arachnology at the California Academy of Sciences. She is the co-founder of the network 500 Queer Scientists. André K. Isaacs: André K. Isaacs is a Jamaican professor of chemistry researching organic and synthetic chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross. He is also a queer science communicator mainly using TikTok and Twitter, where he posts dancing and choreography videos to teach chemistry lessons. Rochelle “Shelley” Diamond: Rochelle Anne "Shelley" Diamond is a research biologist, queer activist, and chair emeritus of Out to Innovate, formerly known as National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals. Sophie Wilson: Sophie Wilson is an important figure in computer science who is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, having transitioned from male to female in 1994. As a pioneer in computing, she co-designed the ARM processor, which is a vital part of many smartphones and other devices, and played a key role in developing the BBC Micro. Her openness about her gender identity makes her a visible and inspiring figure for the LGBTQ+ community in STEM fields. Nergis Mavalvala: Nergis Mavalvala is a Pakistani American astrophysicist. She is the Curtis and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she is also the dean of the university's school of science. She was previously the Associate Head of the university's Department of Physics. Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn Explore ODIME’s LGBTQIAP+ Support and Resources page Explore GLSEN’s LGBTQ History Timeline Reference online Explore the LGBTQ Rights Timeline in American History online Explore the GLBT Historical Society: Museum and Archives online Speculative Design of Equitable Robotics: Queer Fictions and Futures (2025) Read 10 Books to read this LGBTQ History Month Read Pocan Introduces Bills to Create National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution (2024) — explores LGBTQ+ stand-up comedy Watch Stonewall Forever - A Documentary about the Past, Present and Future of Pride Listen to the Making Gay History Podcast Listen to the University of Oxford LGBT History Month Lectures Podcast Listen to the Queer as Fact Podcast Take Action Attend events by WPI's student organizations, including QTPOCC and Alliance Read How To Address Misgendering When It Happens Volunteer with the Trevor Project Support the Safe Homes right in Worcester, MA Register to Vote -OR- Check Your Voter Registration Everything you need to vote. Vote.org Become a Poll Worker Share affirming messages on social media and show visible support on campus Days of Recognition in October Throughout the month, WPI acknowledges these key observances: October 11 – National Coming Out Day October 12 – Matthew Shepard Remembrance October 15 – International Pronouns Day October 16 – Spirit Day (wear purple to stand against bullying)   The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.  
lfeldman | Wed, Oct 22, 2025

Every October, WPI commemorates LGBTQIAP+ History Month alongside communities nationwide as a tribute to the trailblazers whose legacies persist in shaping history, an acknowledgment of the struggles and resilience of LGBTQIAP+ individuals, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive community for everyone.

This month serves not just as a celebration of the LGBTQIAP+ community, but also as an acknowledgment of the bravery it takes to live without fear, the advances achieved through decades of activism, and the ongoing work necessary to ensure equality and respect for every identity.

What is the meaning of LGBTQIAP+?

The acronym LGBTQIAP+ encompasses the identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, and pansexual individuals. The addition of the “+” serves as a reminder that language evolves continuously and that there are countless more identities and experiences than those represented here. WPI recognizes and celebrates every individual in our community. It welcomes all and sees individuals for who they really are and what potential they hold to achieve their best selves.

A Short History

In 1994, Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson initiated LGBTQIAP+ History Month, motivated by the belief that students should learn about the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. October was selected because it already commemorated significant dates such as:

  • National Coming Out Day (11 October).
  • The commemorations of the 1979 and 1987 Marches on Washington for LGBTQ+ Rights.
  • The commemoration of Matthew Shepard (October 12), whose hate-crime murder spurred the creation of hate-crime laws.

The month is now recognized across the country in educational institutions and communities as a period of visibility, learning, and festivity.

Recognizing Leaders in STEM & Beyond

As a STEM-focused university, WPI is proud to highlight LGBTQIAP+ leaders whose contributions continue to shape the world:

  • Abhik Ghosh: Abhik Ghosh is an Indian inorganic chemist and materials scientist and a professor of chemistry at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, Norway.
  • Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an award-winning physicist, feminist, and activist who specializes in theoretical cosmology and particle physics. She is an associate professor of physics and astronomy and core faculty in women's studies at the University of New Hampshire. Prescod-Weinstein is the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical cosmology and the first to hold a faculty position in the field.
  • Lauren Esposito: Lauren Esposito is the assistant curator and Schlinger chair of Arachnology at the California Academy of Sciences. She is the co-founder of the network 500 Queer Scientists.
  • André K. Isaacs: André K. Isaacs is a Jamaican professor of chemistry researching organic and synthetic chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross. He is also a queer science communicator mainly using TikTok and Twitter, where he posts dancing and choreography videos to teach chemistry lessons.
  • Rochelle “Shelley” Diamond: Rochelle Anne "Shelley" Diamond is a research biologist, queer activist, and chair emeritus of Out to Innovate, formerly known as National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals.
  • Sophie Wilson: Sophie Wilson is an important figure in computer science who is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, having transitioned from male to female in 1994. As a pioneer in computing, she co-designed the ARM processor, which is a vital part of many smartphones and other devices, and played a key role in developing the BBC Micro. Her openness about her gender identity makes her a visible and inspiring figure for the LGBTQ+ community in STEM fields.
  • Nergis Mavalvala: Nergis Mavalvala is a Pakistani American astrophysicist. She is the Curtis and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she is also the dean of the university's school of science. She was previously the Associate Head of the university's Department of Physics.
Read, Watch, Listen, and Learn
Take Action
Days of Recognition in October

Throughout the month, WPI acknowledges these key observances:

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.  

Latest Announcements - All