Alexander von Humboldt: The queer identity of a celebrated German explorer
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
This article explores the life of Alexander von Humboldt, the renowned German explorer and naturalist, with a focus on his queer relationships and identity. It discusses how Humboldt, despite his global fame and scientific contributions (inventing isotherms, discovering the magnetic equator, documenting South American wildlife), kept his true identity hidden, reflecting the struggles many queer scientists still face today. The article connects Humboldt's personal history to broader themes of LGBTQ+ representation in science.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledBorn in Berlin on the 14th of September 1769, Alexander von Humboldt is something of a global name.
Humboldt is also known for inventing isotherms (the lines we see on today's weather maps), discovering the magnetic equator, and an immense documentation of South American wildlife
Many queer scientists hide away their true identity still today. As did Alexander von Humboldt, a global explorer
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