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The Tech Celebrates Pride Month
June 1, 2025
Highlighting STEAM leaders
- Related Topics:
- STEM,
- Tech Partners,
- In the Community
As we celebrate Pride Month this June, we’re highlighting STEAM leaders who were also activists working tirelessly to advance LGBTQ+ rights and wellbeing. At The Tech Interactive, we’re driven by a mission to empower historically marginalized communities and champion full inclusion in STEAM. By breaking down barriers and building meaningful connections, we’re creating a future where innovation is accessible to all. As part of Museums with Pride—a coalition of Bay Area museums and arts institutions—we’re committed to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive space where creativity thrives and every individual is inspired to shape the future.
Learn about the accomplishments of these four STEAM leaders highlighted for Pride month!
Ben Barres, M.D., Ph.D
Dr. Barres, a neurobiologist at Stanford University, conducted pioneering research on how neurons interact with glial cells in the nervous system. Often referred to as the “glue” of the brain, glial cells play essential roles in shaping neural circuits and regulating neuron activity. Dr. Barres’s work revealed how these cells can transition from supporting neurons to actively contributing to their destruction—insights that transformed the scientific understanding and treatment of numerous neurological conditions.
The Tech Interactive is proud to have had a close connection with Dr. Barres since students from his lab volunteered in the Bio Tinkering space as part of the Stanford at The Tech partnership. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Barres was a passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM. In 2013, he became the first openly transgender scientist elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Learn more about Dr. Ben Barres’ life and research.
Billy DeFrank
William Price was an African American drag artist and activist whose stage name, “Billy DeFrank,” now graces the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center in San Jose. This organization fosters community by offering leadership programs and inclusive social events that empower LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to authentically express their identities.
Billy DeFrank was a well-known performer in the Bay Area during the 1970s who used his art to champion LGBTQ+ rights and uplift organizations. He played a key role in building LGBTQ+ communities throughout the state, often donating his performance earnings to support a range of LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Learn more about Billy DeFrank.
Denice Denton, Ph.D
Dr. Denton was an American electrical engineering professor and academic leader. She became the first openly lesbian and youngest Chancellor in the University of California system. Chancellor Denton also served on the boards of directors for both the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and Joint Venture Silicon Valley. For nearly a decade, Denton served as the dean of the College of Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington, becoming the first woman to lead such a college at an National Research Council-designated Research One University.
Denton, who earned a Ph.D in electrical engineering from MIT, overcame significant adversity throughout her career. Despite this, her notable accomplishments included receiving the Maria Mitchell Woman in Science Award in 2006. She also openly challenged the president of Harvard after he claimed that men are inherently more gifted in math and science than women.
Learn more about Dr. Denice Denton’s accomplishments.
Bruce Voeller, Ph.D
Dr. Voeller was a biologist and a trailblazer in HIV/AIDS research. In 2016, he was recognized as an LGBT History Month icon for his groundbreaking contributions to both fields. Voeller played a leading role in the early fight against AIDS and was instrumental in changing the disease’s original name, GRIDD (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency Disease), arguing that it was misleading and stigmatizing. He proposed the more accurate and inclusive term: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
As a gay rights activist, Voeller’s platform statement was: “Americans should be free to make their own choice of lifestyles and private habits without being subject to discrimination or prosecution.” He became president of the New York Gay Activist Alliance and later founded the National Gay Task Force, now known as the National LGBTQ Task Force. This task force served as the first gay rights group to meet at the White House to discuss policies affecting gay and lesbian Americans. Dr. Voeller also frequently testified before Congress on issues related to homosexuality and the gay rights movement.
Learn more about Dr. Bruce Voeller’s life.
CALL TO ACTION:
Help make an impact this Pride Month and every month by supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the following ways:
- Volunteer at an LGBTQ+ Community Center
- Join and support the Equality Act
- Speak up against prejudice
- Write a letter of support to trans youth
- Be an LGBTQ+ advocate
- Create your own pride flag with our Cabbage Inks activity
- Look for The Tech marching with Museums with Pride at the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 29
Join The Tech on August 30 and 31 at the SV Pride Festival.