LGBTQIA+ in Mathematics at UMN

Welcome to our webpage dedicated to celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals in the field of mathematics!

About Us

We are a community of mathematicians and allies who support diversity, inclusion, and representation within the mathematical sciences. Our goal is to highlight the contributions of LGBTQIA+ mathematicians, provide resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals in mathematics, and foster a supportive environment for all.

LGBTQIA+ Mathematicians

Alan Turing

• Contributions: Turing is widely considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. He played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II, which significantly contributed to the Allied victory.
• Identity: Turing was a gay man and was persecuted for his sexual orientation in the UK. His tragic story underscores the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance.

Sylvia Rivera

• Contributions: Rivera was a transgender activist and a prominent figure in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. While not a mathematician by profession, her advocacy work paved the way for greater acceptance and visibility of transgender individuals.
• Legacy: Rivera’s bravery and activism inspire us to create a more inclusive and equitable mathematical community.

Gian-Carlo Rota

• Contributions: Rota was a mathematician known for his work in combinatorics and mathematical logic. He made significant contributions to the understanding of partially ordered sets and the theory of incidence algebras.
• Identity: Rota was openly gay and faced discrimination during his career. Despite this, he made lasting contributions to mathematics and inspired many with his passion for the subject.

Mariette DiChristina

• Contributions: DiChristina is a mathematician and editor-in-chief of Scientific American, a prominent science magazine. She has worked to promote scientific literacy and communication.
• Identity: DiChristina is an openly lesbian woman and advocates for LGBTQIA+ representation in STEM fields.

Articles

Beauty in flexibility

An interview

Events

• REU program summer: 2025 developing symmetrical neural networks to mitigate gender and racial biases (supported by NSF).

Stay tuned for upcoming events celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals in mathematics! Check back regularly for updates on seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Resources

• Out in STEM: A national society dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Spectra: An organization that provides resources and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the physical sciences, including mathematics.

Get Involved

• Join our mailing list to stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives.
• Follow us on social media to connect with our community and share your experiences.
• Consider making a donation to support LGBTQIA+ organizations working in STEM fields.

Contact Us

Have questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at lgbtqiainmath@gmail.com.