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ismnotwasm

(41,921 posts)
Fri Nov 22, 2013, 09:10 PM Nov 2013

Queered Science: Historic Women Pioneers

Or what about Mary Jacobi, born in 1842: she left a disappointing women's college in New York for Paris, hoping to be allowed to study medicine. They apparently grudgingly allowed her to participate, but she had to enter the classroom by a separate door and sit alone near the professor. That must have been awkward, to say the least — I can imagine the feeling of all your classmates' eyes staring at you behind your back, wondering what you're doing here, feeling always unwelcome, but sticking it out anyway. What kind of emotional fortitude must she have had, in addition to her intellect?

Dr. Jacobi eventually went on to win a prize from Harvard in 1876 where she proved scientifically that, in contrast to popular belief, women's intelligence was not impaired when they're on their period. Next time someone tells you your legitimate anger is "just PMS," (hopefully never?) thank Dr. Jacobi in part that you can prove them wrong.

It's often almost impossible to definitively identify queer figures in history, especially queer women. Sexual or romantic attachments between women were often easily overlooked by those writing history. "Romantic friendships" were common between women, and could mean many different things. And you could argue that definitions of sexual orientation are a modern and socially constructed concept – so maybe the point is null and void anyway.

But, nevertheless, you might like to know about two of the scientists featured in the exhibition, Florence Nightingale and Sofia Kovalevskaya, who are also featured on NOGLSTP's list of queer scientists of historical note. Nightingale never married, and strongly rejected offers of marriage more than once. She often referred to herself in the masculine, as "a man of business" or "a man of action," but kept up intimate emotional relationships with women her entire life.


http://www.autostraddle.com/queered-science-historic-pioneers-206709/

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