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.
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.
Latest Announcements - All
- WPI Police Department Reaccreditation AssessmentChief Stephen Marsh is pleased to announce that a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is scheduled to arrive on campus Nov. 17, 2025, to begin examining various aspects of the WPI Police Department’s policies, procedures, operations, and facilities toward reaccreditation. WPI police first became accredited in 2017, and this will be the third reaccreditation assessment to verify that the department continues to meet the commission’s standards for accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary process that involves police departments meeting and maintaining over 325 operational standards and best practices. Achieving accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. Anyone interested in learning more about this program is invited to speak with the department’s accreditation manager, Capt. Brendan Green, or with Chief Stephen Marsh at the WPI Police Department located in Founders Hall.
- Project Advising 101 Series: Responding to Student WritingTuesday, November 18, 2025 12 pm - 1 pm CC: Mid-Century Room In this workshop, participants will review several styles of written commentary, considering how the type, placement, and quantity of comments on student drafts can affect their revision and learning. Participants will learn and practice with a “reader-based” approach that has the potential to: 1) Reduce the time you spend marking student papers 2) Model for your students how to better anticipate and respond to a reader's needs 3) Help your students become less dependent on your editing and directive feedback This workshop is one component of our Project Advising 101 program for faculty new to IQP and MQP advising. The workshop is equally helpful to faculty teaching writing-intensive courses in any discipline, as well as faculty working with graduate students on theses and journal articles. All are welcome to attend! Please register by Tuesday, November 11th, so we can finalize the headcount for lunch.
- Registration is open for Intro to Mindfulness Meditation in B-TermMIEA Intro to Mindfulness is a four-week evidence-based mindfulness curriculum the Center for Well-Being is offering to WPI employees and graduate students at no cost. Registration is now open for the in-person program that runs Tuesdays, 4:00 to 5:15 PM, Nov 11 to Dec 2. Register here
- "Currents of Change" Exhibit Kickoff NOVEMBER 3rd, 3-5pmJoin WPI Archives & Special Collections in celebration of the new 2025-2026 Gladwin Gallery exhibit, "Currents of Change: Electrical & Computer Engineering at WPI from the Dawn of the Electric Age to Present Day". This event will be hosted on the ground floor of George C. Gordon Library on Monday, November 3rd from 3-5pm. It is a casual drop-in/drop-out style gathering with a brief welcome and short program led by ECE faculty at the start. After the introduction, attendees will be welcome to explore the exhibit and some interactive elements on their own. Light refreshments provided. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and guests are welcome. Registration preferred. Please email archives@wpi.edu with any additional questions.
- Staff Council Engagement Committee UpdateThe Staff Council Engagement Committee has put together a fun-filled calendar of events for everyone to have opportunities for connection and engagement this academic year. Please see below and attached calendar of events for the year! We hope you will join us for an upcoming social on Monday, October 27, 4pm at the Courtyard Marriott Bar (drinks and snacks on your own) for some conversation and connection with peers. Friday, October 31 from 12-1pm join us for a Lunch and Gather drop-in session in Innovation Studio 205. This gathering will be an opportunity to connect with others based on hobbies, interests, likes, etc. Lastly, we are thrilled to partner again this year with Chartwells to offer holiday pie sales at Harvest of Thanks on November 24th. New this year is the opportunity to purchase pies through the StaffCouncil myWPI webpage. Check it out HERE! Save the Dates for '25-'26 Staff Council Events Thank you, Matt Foster, Staff Council Engagement Committee Chair on behalf of, Staff Council Engagement Committee
- Meet Your Alumni Association President: Arly Dungca ’08Quick Facts: Majored in Civil Engineering and was part of SAE Fraternity and US Air Force ROTC SVP Sales & Marketing at Enigma Technologies, Inc Based in Boston, MA Favorite WPI Tradition: “I like the symbolism of crossing the bridge when you are entering the school and crossing back when you leave the school. It signifies the journey and is meaningful as all WPI graduates experience it.” Since leaving WPI… “I have lived across the US (four different states) and lived in London for four years (for school and work). Now I’m back living in Boston. Having a WPI degree helped me learn how to solve open-ended problems—something that is critical for professional success.” Staying Connected “I primarily stay connected with my Fraternity SAE serving on the alumni board and mentoring undergrads. I met Peter Thomas (previously in the Alumni office) who was a father of SAE in my chapter who nominated me to be part of the Alumni Association. As Alumni Association President, I hope to increase engagement of alumni across the US and bring more attention and celebration to our alumni who give back their time and talents.”