Amelia Earhart was a pioneering American aviator and one of the most famous female pilots of the early 20th century. Earhart set numerous records and was a strong advocate for women's participation in aviation and other fields traditionally dominated by men. Her ambitious goal to circumnavigate the globe ended tragically when she disappeared during her attempt in 1937, while flying over the central Pacific Ocean.
The Brunswick Four refers to four lesbian women — Adrienne Rosen (formerly Adrienne Potts), Pat Murphy, Sue Wells and Lamar Van Dyke (formerly Heather Elizabeth Nelson) — who were thrown out of a Toronto bar on 5 January 1974. Their expulsion and eventual detention led to charges and significant public outcry at their treatment by the bar staff and the police. The Brunswick Four case raised awareness about homophobia and harassment in Canada, and fueled Toronto’s growing queer rights movement.
Anne Bonny and Mary Read were notorious female pirates who operated during the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century. They are known for their roles in piracy in the Caribbean and their defiance of gender norms of their time. Both women were known for their fierce fighting skills and defiance.
Angela James is a trailblazing Canadian ice hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest female players in the sport's history. Born on January 22, 1964, in Toronto, Ontario, she was a formidable force on the ice, known for her exceptional scoring ability, strength, and leadership. James played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of women's ice hockey.
Chelsea Manning is a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and whistleblower who gained global attention for disclosing classified military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks. Manning served in Iraq, where she accessed and leaked over 700,000 documents, including the Iraq and Afghanistan war logs, and diplomatic cables.
Judy Heumann was a pioneering American disability rights activist. Her tireless efforts included organizing protests such as the 504 Sit-in in 1977, which was a key event in securing the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Heumann also played a crucial role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Keith Haring was an influential American artist and social activist known for his vibrant, graffiti-inspired artwork characterized by bold lines and bright, cartoon-like figures. Haring gained prominence in the early 1980s with his street art, which often featured recurring motifs like dancing figures, radiant babies, and hearts. His work, which emerged from the New York City subway scene, is celebrated for its energetic and accessible style, as well as its commentary on social issues such as AIDS, apartheid, and drug addiction.
Riese Bernard is a notable figure in the realm of digital media, particularly known for her role as a co-founder and editor of the online magazine Autostraddle. Founded in 2009, Autostraddle is a prominent publication focused on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly catering to women and non-binary individuals. Bernard's work has significantly contributed to the representation and discussion of queer issues, culture, and identity.
Sylvia Plath was an influential American poet, novelist, and short-story writer. She is best known for her confessional style of writing and her exploration of themes such as mental illness, identity, and personal struggle. Plath's most famous works include her poetry collections "Ariel" and "The Colossus," as well as her semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar." Her writing often reflects her own battles with depression and her complex personal experiences.