LGBTQ+ History Month 2026: Science, Innovation and Raising the Bar

Science and innovation are often described as objective, rational and merit-based. But history tells a more complex story. Breakthroughs don’t happen in a vacuum, they happen when people feel confident enough to question, explore and imagine something new.

For many LGBTQ+ people, this confidence is not always a given.

Throughout history, LGBTQ+ scientists, innovators and thinkers have contributed profoundly to progress - often without recognition, visibility or safety. Too many were forced to hide parts of who they were to be taken seriously. Others were excluded entirely. And yet, innovation still happened, driven by curiosity, resilience and belief.

Today, one of the most powerful forces in making new history is role modelling.

Seeing someone like you, in science, technology, leadership or innovation, does something quietly transformational. It builds belief. It expands what feels possible. It replaces self-doubt with confidence. For many, that visibility was the difference between holding back and stepping forward.

Equally powerful is sponsorship - when others create space rather than waiting for it to appear. When leaders actively back talent, remove barriers, and say “there is room for you here”, innovation accelerates. People think more boldly. They take more creative risks. They contribute more fully.

This is where Raising the Bar comes in.

Raising the bar means moving beyond just representation to leadership, optimism and empowerment. It means designing workplaces where difference is not simply accepted, but actively valued as a driver of better thinking and stronger outcomes. It means recognising that confidence, belonging and psychological safety are not “nice to haves” - they are performance enablers.

Historically, LGBTQ+ innovation often happened despite exclusion. The opportunity today is to ensure innovation happens because inclusion is embedded - in leadership behaviours, organisational systems and everyday decisions.

LGBTQ+ History Month is a moment to reflect on progress made, but also to look forward. Forward thinking organisations are leading the next level of innovation by inspiring belief, role modelling visibility and building confidence. They are creating the conditions where everyone can contribute at their best.

This is how we honour the past. This is how we build the future. This is how we raise the bar. Who helped you believe you belonged - and how are you creating that same space for others today?