March 11, 2025 • 23 mins
🔎 Episode Overview
In this episode of Math! Science! History!, we celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting two remarkable transgender figures in STEM: Dr. James Barry and Angela Clayton. Dr. Barry, a pioneering 19th-century surgeon, challenged societal norms to advance medical science and improve healthcare. Angela Clayton, a nuclear physicist, broke barriers in radiation safety and transgender advocacy. Their lives exemplify courage, innovation, and the pursuit of truth in both science and identity.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
1. The groundbreaking medical achievements of Dr. James Barry, including one of the first successful cesarean sections where both mother and child survived.
2. How Angela Clayton revolutionized radiation protection and nuclear safety while advocating for transgender rights in the United Kingdom.
3. The historical and ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in STEM and how both Barry and Clayton navigated them.
4. The importance of advocacy, acceptance, and inclusion in both scientific communities and society at large.
🏛 Links & Resources:
International LGBTQ+ Rights Organizations:
· Amnesty International - https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/lgbt-rights/
· Human Rights Watch - https://www.hrw.org/topic/lgb
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Though it is Women's History Month, today I'm
going to be talking about two incredible individuals
who are transgender.
First, Dr. James Berry, a historically significant figure
because of his contributions to medicine and courage
in living as a gender non-conforming individual
during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Then, Angela Clayton, a transgender woman who was
(00:21):
a testament to the power of courage, brilliance,
and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
Hi, I'm Gabrielle Bertschak.
I have a background in math, science, and
journalism.
And by the time you're done with today's
episode, you're going to know so much more
about these two incredible and inspiring individuals.
(00:45):
In the year 415, the infamous philosopher and
mathematician Hypatia of Alexandria, Egypt was savagely murdered
by church monks.
This murder shocked the Roman community and its
government leaders.
Hypatia was known far and wide as a
respected philosopher, mathematician, government advisor, and a professor.
(01:08):
Hypatia, the sum of her life, is a
book that I wrote that looks not just
at the circumstances surrounding her death, but also
at the sum of her entire life.
I weave in the details of her education,
disciples, Neoplatonic philosophies, female contemporaries, and the many
mathematics that she wrote and taught about.
(01:29):
There is truly more to Hypatia's life than
her death.
Hypatia, the sum of her life, written by
me, Gabrielle Bertschak, is now on sale on
Amazon.
Buy your copy today.
Dr. James Berry is an intriguing and historically
(01:51):
significant figure because of his contributions to medicine
and courage in living as a gender non
-conforming individual during the 18th and 19th centuries.
His stories defies conventional historical narratives, offering a
unique lens to understanding the intersection of identity,
gender, and profession.
(02:12):
In today's flashcard, we will explore Dr. Berry's
life, focusing on his achievements as a pioneering
surgeon and the ongoing mystery surrounding his gender
identity.
Dr. James Berry was born in 1789 in
London, England, and his life remains one of
the most compelling and enigmatic stories in the
(02:32):
history of medicine.
Assigned female at birth, Berry lived most of
his life as a man, a fact only
revealed after his death.
He is now regarded as one of the
first openly trans individuals in recorded history.
However, his gender identity was hidden from the
public during his lifetime.
To understand Berry's significance, we must look at
(02:55):
the unique and brave way he navigated his
career in an era when such identities were
illegal and spurned.
It is surmised that Berry was born between
the years 1789 and 1799.
Surgeon and writer Hercules Michael Duprees wrote an
article about Berry for the South African Medical
Journal.
(03:16):
In it, he writes that Berry was born
to Jeremiah and Marianne Bulkeley, who named her
Margaret Anne.
Berry had a sibling named Marianne Bulkeley, who
was a famous Irish artist and a professor
at London's Royal Academy.
There is also a record of a third
child, Juliana Bulkeley.
It is believed that this third child was
(03:38):
possibly Berry's daughter and the result of a
childhood sexual assault because, upon Berry's death, they
found that he had stretch marks from an
earlier pregnancy.
It is also speculated that Berry's mother had
an affair with another man who was the
father of Juliana.
And this would make sense because in 1804,
(03:59):
Berry and his mother moved to London after
being kicked out of the house.
Marianne went to her brother Professor James Berry,
he was a professor at the Royal Academy,
for help, who also rejected them.
Two years later, her brother died, and she
received a comfortable inheritance.
This allowed her and Berry to live securely.
(04:20):
Regardless, Berry tried to no avail to garner
work as a tutor.
Berry and his mom garnered the friendship of
many of his uncle's friends, who were open
-minded and supported Berry's choice to live as
a man.
As a result, they helped Berry in his
application to the University of Edinburgh, which he
attended as James Berry in 1809.
(04:43):
At the university, he was acknowledged and known
as the nephew of the late James Berry,
R.A. The determination of his uncle's friends
to advocate for and support Berry's decision speaks
volumes about a couple of things.
First, they accepted Berry's decision.
It was not dismissed or detested.
(05:03):
It was simply a choice that someone made
that a group of individuals unconditionally accepted.
Unlike today, where we live in a climate
where the transgender community is called out, publicly
detested, and worse yet, treated with vitriol.
But this also speaks volumes about the importance
of advocating for transgender individuals.
(05:23):
Because even today, when the suicide rate for
trans individuals is so high, studies show that
when an individual transitions and is surrounded by
loved ones who support their decision and love
them unconditionally, this lowers the rate of suicide
by 50%.
That is significant.
(05:43):
And what's also interesting is that this took
place in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
This shows that trans individuals have always been
around and will always be around.
Also, this shows that even in an era
that was considered to be conservative, many liberal
individuals supported transgender communities.
(06:06):
When Berry first began attending the university due
to his voice and delicate features, the administration
suspected that Berry was a boy who hadn't
reached puberty.
The administration tried to block Berry's application for
final examinations.
But a friend of the deceased uncle, the
Earl of Bucon, convinced the administration to let
(06:27):
Berry qualify as a doctor.
And so in 1812, Berry received his MD.
In 1813, Berry was appointed as an assistant
surgeon in the British army after completing his
medical education.
This was a monumental step for any medical
professional, particularly for someone in Berry's position.
(06:48):
He would spend much of his career traveling
with the army, working in places such as
Malta, South Africa, and the Caribbean.
Berry's ability to navigate such a career in
the military, a traditionally male-dominated space, demonstrates
his remarkable skill and resourcefulness.
His reputation as a highly competent surgeon quickly
(07:09):
spread and he became known for performing complex
operations with skill and precision.
One of Dr. Berry's most famous medical contributions
was his work with the first successful caesarean
section.
In 1826, while stationed in the British colony
of Cape Colony, which is now modern day
South Africa, Berry performed an emergency caesarean section
(07:31):
on a woman who had been in labor
for several days.
Oh my gosh, for you moms out there
who've given birth, can you imagine being in
labor for several days?
Both the mother and the child survived, which
was a remarkable feat at a time when
caesarean sections were often fatal.
This surgery and other medical technique advancements cemented
(07:55):
Berry's legacy as an extraordinary surgeon.
But Berry's medical expertise went far beyond surgery.
He was known for his detailed diagnoses and
his innovative approach to treatment.
In a time when medical knowledge was still
developing and many practices were rudimentary at best,
Berry made notable strides in improving hospital hygiene
(08:16):
and advocating for proper sanitation.
He also served as a staunch critic of
the treatment of women, especially when it came
to their health care.
He advocated for the better treatment of women
in medical settings, a revolutionary stance in the
early 19th century.
Additionally, Berry fought to improve the sanitary conditions
of the soldiers and marginalized groups.
(08:38):
He often demanded reforms and upgrades in unconventional
ways, which occasionally would lead to a demotion
for Berry.
Still, Berry's career thrived as he moved between
military posts, earning promotions and accolades for his
service.
He rose to the rank of Inspector General
of Hospitals in Canada in 1857, an essential
(09:00):
position in the British Army.
Through his life, he was meticulous to control
and maintain the persona of a man.
Also, Berry was progressive and didn't drink or
eat meat.
He didn't have many relationships, but he loved
his dog named, get this, Psyche.
In 1865, Dr. Berry died from dysentery in
(09:23):
London.
When his body was prepared for burial, it
was revealed that he had female biological characteristics.
In the context of modern transgender rights and
visibility, Dr. James Berry is often cited as
one of the earliest figures whose life offers
a window into the lived experiences of trans
individuals.
(09:44):
Though Berry's story remained hidden for many years,
his legacy inspires and resonates today, especially among
transgender individuals.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, his courage in living
as his authentic self serves as a reminder
of the power of determination and the importance
of challenging societal norms.
(10:05):
Berry's life shows us that gender identity is
not a new concept, but something that has
always existed, even if it wasn't always recognized
or understood.
His courage to live authentically, despite the social
pressures of his time, remains a testament to
the resilience of the human spirit.
(10:26):
His journey through the medical profession and his
role as a trailblazer for transgender individuals in
medicine make his story inspiring, particularly for those
who face ongoing challenges in achieving their goals
due to societal expectations.
Berry's contributions to medicine, including his surgical skills,
(10:47):
advocacy for better treatment of women, and efforts
to improve hospital hygiene are enduring parts of
his legacy.
Dr. James Berry's story provides a fascinating lens
into the early history of transgender individuals in
medicine and how they navigate a world that
was and still is often hostile to their
identities.
(11:08):
Berry's groundbreaking contributions to surgery and medicine make
him an admirable figure whose story deserves to
be remembered and considered as we strive to
build equity for transgender communities.
Angela Clayton was an extraordinary nuclear physicist who
(11:29):
broke barriers not just in her scientific field,
but also in the world of transgender rights.
She was born in 1959 in the United
Kingdom.
Her life was defined by her pioneering work
in health physics, specifically in the areas of
radiation protection and nuclear safety.
However, what really sets her apart is the
(11:50):
fact that she did all of this while
living openly as a transgender woman during a
time when this kind of decision could have
ruined her career in both science and public
life.
She was born at a time when gender
roles in society and science were strictly defined.
Women, especially in the fields of physics, were
seen as exceptions rather than the norm.
(12:13):
And for someone like Angela, who would later
transition, the barriers to success were even higher.
Angela's education in physics was one of the
defining elements of her life.
As a student, she showed a deep interest
in the physical sciences and pursued a career
in nuclear physics, a field dominated by men
at the time.
It's still dominated by men.
(12:35):
But she worked tirelessly, excelling in a world
that was not only unfamiliar with the idea
of women in these fields, but also openly
hostile toward them.
As she advanced in her career, Angela's personal
life began to take on a whole new
chapter.
She decided to transition, an incredibly bold move
at that time.
(12:55):
It was not just a personal transformation, but
a public one that could have cost her
her career.
Yet, Angela's courage allowed her to live her
truth.
Her transition made her one of the first
openly transgender professionals in the fields of physics.
She did this during an era when such
a decision carried grave professional consequences.
(13:17):
But Angela remained undeterred, continuing her work and
gaining recognition for her expertise.
This decision would shape her career in ways
both surprising and profound.
And it became a core part of her
journey.
Angela Clayton's contributions to nuclear physics were profound
and highly influential.
(13:38):
She specialized in health physics, which is a
branch of physics that focuses on the protection
of people and the environment from the harmful
effects of radiation.
Angela worked to develop radiation shielding technologies.
These innovations were critical in preventing radiation exposure
in various industries, including nuclear power plants, medical
(13:59):
research facilities, and scientific experiments involving radioactive
materials.
Her work centered on improving the safety protocols
for handling radioactive materials.
And through her research, she played a pivotal
role in creating better safety standards for those
working in nuclear energy, which ultimately helped minimize
health risks related to radiation exposure.
(14:22):
One of her significant contributions was to the
design and the development of radiation shields.
These were materials and structures that could effectively
block or absorb radiation, protecting workers and the
surrounding environment.
Her findings were critical in helping shape the
modern standards for radiation protection that we use
(14:42):
today.
But I want to go beyond the path
she paved for our future generations of transgender
individuals in science.
I want to talk about the path that
she paved.
It was amazing.
And she was so brilliant.
She worked as the head of criticality safety
at the atomic weapons establishment.
Additionally, she was a chairperson of the United
(15:04):
Kingdom Working Party on criticality.
So she was highly involved with safety protocols
as it relates to atomic weapons.
But she also worked overseas in the United
States.
As part of the working group for the
American National Standards, she was a member.
She also served in an advisory role for
several international conferences on nuclear criticality.
(15:26):
So she was passionate about the safety protocols
as it relates to nuclear safety.
She also wrote and co-authored many papers
on nuclear criticality safety.
She was fully immersed in her work and
also took on a multitude of roles in
safety committees and the reactor safety panel at
AWE, which is the atomic weapons establishment.
(15:48):
Her career was no doubt exceptionally remarkable.
She also worked as an advocate for transgender
rights, campaigning for an organization called Press for
Change.
She went on to serve as their vice
president as well.
Her fight for equality for transgender individuals encouraged
her to take on the role of the
(16:09):
first trans observer to the United Kingdom's Trade
Union Congress LGBT Committee.
Additionally, she helped to develop and implement the
Gender Recognition Act of 2004.
Her brilliance pursued.
She immersed herself in her lifelong love of
astronomy.
And in 2005, she became a member of
(16:31):
the Order of the British Empire.
This was an appointment.
This means that she was awarded a very,
very prestigious honor by the British government that
recognized her for her devotion to gender issues.
And in April 2009, she obtained a law
degree.
I am so impressed with this amazing woman.
(16:54):
Unfortunately, she had to take an early retirement
in March of 2011.
She was struggling from medical complications from an
old automobile accident in 1996.
She not only inspires transgender individuals to live
their lives to the fullest extent as a
transgender, but she also inspires humans to simply
embrace their best life despite their situations.
(17:16):
And I always say at the end of
my podcast, until next time, Carpe Diem, I
am all about seizing the day.
But I'm telling you, Angela is the epitome
of Carpe Diem.
She was amazing.
If you look her up to, you will
see this in her smile.
Sadly, Angela passed away on January 8th, 2014.
Hers was a tremendous life cut too short.
(17:38):
And no doubt the world is a tremendously
better and safer place because of her.
It's important to understand the context in which
Clayton was working.
The world of science in the 20th century,
particularly fields like physics and nuclear energy, were
dominated by men.
The barriers for women were already high, but
(17:58):
for transgender women like Angela, the barriers were
even more insurmountable.
Angela's decision to transition and live openly as
a transgender woman was groundbreaking.
It was incredibly rare for someone in her
position to be openly themselves while maintaining a
career in a prestigious and demanding field.
Yet her work spoke for itself.
(18:19):
She didn't allow the challenges of being a
transgender woman in a male dominated field to
deter her.
Instead, she used her expertise to advocate for
safer working conditions and for the inclusion of
diverse voices in the field of science.
Clayton was not just a scientist.
She was also an activist.
As a transgender woman, she faced the harsh
(18:40):
realities of discrimination and exclusion, but she channeled
those experiences into advocacy.
In addition to her advocacy for transgender rights,
Angela used her platform to challenge the stigma
that often accompanied being transgender, especially in a
professional and scientific environment.
(19:00):
She didn't just want equality for transgender people.
She wanted recognition, respect, and a voice for
those who had been silenced by society's narrow
view of gender.
Clayton's legacy is one of both scientific achievement
and social change.
Through her groundbreaking work in physics, she helped
ensure safer environments for those working with dangerous
(19:21):
materials, directly contributing to the safety of nuclear
facilities around the world.
But perhaps by living authentically and pursuing her
career with passion and expertise, Clayton proved that
gender identity should never limit one's contributions to
society.
She demonstrated that the most meaningful progress often
(19:42):
comes from individuals who break the mold, and
she helped make the scientific community and society
at large a more inclusive space.
Clayton's life is a testament to the power
of resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of
knowledge.
Her work in physics changed the world, and
her advocacy for transgender rights continues to inspire
(20:05):
countless individuals.
Dr. James Barry and Angela Clayton, though separated
by time and circumstance, share an enduring legacy
defined by brilliance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment
to authenticity in the face of overwhelming societal
obstacles.
Both of them demonstrated immense courage in transitioning.
(20:29):
Barry in a time when such a decision
was unheard of, and Clayton in a world
that was hostile to her truth.
As a pioneering surgeon and groundbreaking nuclear physicist,
they not only reshaped their respective fields, but
also defied the expectations of a society that
sought to dictate who they could be.
(20:50):
Their transitions were acts of profound bravery, embracing
who they truly were despite the risks and
challenges.
These stories remind us of the critical importance
of allowing individuals to live as their authentic
selves.
When society gives people the freedom to express
their true identity, they are empowered to contribute
(21:12):
their best to the world, both in science
and beyond.
Barry and Clayton's lives show us that scientific
progress is not only driven by intellect, but
by the courage to break down barriers and
live authentically.
Their stories call us to build a future
where no one has to choose between their
identity and their passion, where diversity is not
(21:34):
just accepted, but celebrated, and where science thrives
because of our differences, not in spite of
them.
Thank you for tuning in to Math Science
History.
And until next time, carpe diem.
(21:55):
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History.
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(22:16):
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(23:19):
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Until next time, carpe diem.
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Though it is Women's History Month, today I'm
going to be talking about two incredible individuals
who are transgender.
First, Dr. James Berry, a historically significant figure
because of his contributions to medicine and courage
in living as a gender non-conforming individual
during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Then, Angela Clayton, a transgender woman who was
(00:21):
a testament to the power of courage, brilliance,
and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
Hi, I'm Gabrielle Bertschak.
I have a background in math, science, and
journalism.
And by the time you're done with today's
episode, you're going to know so much more
about these two incredible and inspiring individuals.
(00:45):
In the year 415, the infamous philosopher and
mathematician Hypatia of Alexandria, Egypt was savagely murdered
by church monks.
This murder shocked the Roman community and its
government leaders.
Hypatia was known far and wide as a
respected philosopher, mathematician, government advisor, and a professor.
(01:08):
Hypatia, the sum of her life, is a
book that I wrote that looks not just
at the circumstances surrounding her death, but also
at the sum of her entire life.
I weave in the details of her education,
disciples, Neoplatonic philosophies, female contemporaries, and the many
mathematics that she wrote and taught about.
(01:29):
There is truly more to Hypatia's life than
her death.
Hypatia, the sum of her life, written by
me, Gabrielle Bertschak, is now on sale on
Amazon.
Buy your copy today.
Dr. James Berry is an intriguing and historically
(01:51):
significant figure because of his contributions to medicine
and courage in living as a gender non
-conforming individual during the 18th and 19th centuries.
His stories defies conventional historical narratives, offering a
unique lens to understanding the intersection of identity,
gender, and profession.
(02:12):
In today's flashcard, we will explore Dr. Berry's
life, focusing on his achievements as a pioneering
surgeon and the ongoing mystery surrounding his gender
identity.
Dr. James Berry was born in 1789 in
London, England, and his life remains one of
the most compelling and enigmatic stories in the
(02:32):
history of medicine.
Assigned female at birth, Berry lived most of
his life as a man, a fact only
revealed after his death.
He is now regarded as one of the
first openly trans individuals in recorded history.
However, his gender identity was hidden from the
public during his lifetime.
To understand Berry's significance, we must look at
(02:55):
the unique and brave way he navigated his
career in an era when such identities were
illegal and spurned.
It is surmised that Berry was born between
the years 1789 and 1799.
Surgeon and writer Hercules Michael Duprees wrote an
article about Berry for the South African Medical
Journal.
(03:16):
In it, he writes that Berry was born
to Jeremiah and Marianne Bulkeley, who named her
Margaret Anne.
Berry had a sibling named Marianne Bulkeley, who
was a famous Irish artist and a professor
at London's Royal Academy.
There is also a record of a third
child, Juliana Bulkeley.
It is believed that this third child was
(03:38):
possibly Berry's daughter and the result of a
childhood sexual assault because, upon Berry's death, they
found that he had stretch marks from an
earlier pregnancy.
It is also speculated that Berry's mother had
an affair with another man who was the
father of Juliana.
And this would make sense because in 1804,
(03:59):
Berry and his mother moved to London after
being kicked out of the house.
Marianne went to her brother Professor James Berry,
he was a professor at the Royal Academy,
for help, who also rejected them.
Two years later, her brother died, and she
received a comfortable inheritance.
This allowed her and Berry to live securely.
(04:20):
Regardless, Berry tried to no avail to garner
work as a tutor.
Berry and his mom garnered the friendship of
many of his uncle's friends, who were open
-minded and supported Berry's choice to live as
a man.
As a result, they helped Berry in his
application to the University of Edinburgh, which he
attended as James Berry in 1809.
(04:43):
At the university, he was acknowledged and known
as the nephew of the late James Berry,
R.A. The determination of his uncle's friends
to advocate for and support Berry's decision speaks
volumes about a couple of things.
First, they accepted Berry's decision.
It was not dismissed or detested.
(05:03):
It was simply a choice that someone made
that a group of individuals unconditionally accepted.
Unlike today, where we live in a climate
where the transgender community is called out, publicly
detested, and worse yet, treated with vitriol.
But this also speaks volumes about the importance
of advocating for transgender individuals.
(05:23):
Because even today, when the suicide rate for
trans individuals is so high, studies show that
when an individual transitions and is surrounded by
loved ones who support their decision and love
them unconditionally, this lowers the rate of suicide
by 50%.
That is significant.
(05:43):
And what's also interesting is that this took
place in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
This shows that trans individuals have always been
around and will always be around.
Also, this shows that even in an era
that was considered to be conservative, many liberal
individuals supported transgender communities.
(06:06):
When Berry first began attending the university due
to his voice and delicate features, the administration
suspected that Berry was a boy who hadn't
reached puberty.
The administration tried to block Berry's application for
final examinations.
But a friend of the deceased uncle, the
Earl of Bucon, convinced the administration to let
(06:27):
Berry qualify as a doctor.
And so in 1812, Berry received his MD.
In 1813, Berry was appointed as an assistant
surgeon in the British army after completing his
medical education.
This was a monumental step for any medical
professional, particularly for someone in Berry's position.
(06:48):
He would spend much of his career traveling
with the army, working in places such as
Malta, South Africa, and the Caribbean.
Berry's ability to navigate such a career in
the military, a traditionally male-dominated space, demonstrates
his remarkable skill and resourcefulness.
His reputation as a highly competent surgeon quickly
(07:09):
spread and he became known for performing complex
operations with skill and precision.
One of Dr. Berry's most famous medical contributions
was his work with the first successful caesarean
section.
In 1826, while stationed in the British colony
of Cape Colony, which is now modern day
South Africa, Berry performed an emergency caesarean section
(07:31):
on a woman who had been in labor
for several days.
Oh my gosh, for you moms out there
who've given birth, can you imagine being in
labor for several days?
Both the mother and the child survived, which
was a remarkable feat at a time when
caesarean sections were often fatal.
This surgery and other medical technique advancements cemented
(07:55):
Berry's legacy as an extraordinary surgeon.
But Berry's medical expertise went far beyond surgery.
He was known for his detailed diagnoses and
his innovative approach to treatment.
In a time when medical knowledge was still
developing and many practices were rudimentary at best,
Berry made notable strides in improving hospital hygiene
(08:16):
and advocating for proper sanitation.
He also served as a staunch critic of
the treatment of women, especially when it came
to their health care.
He advocated for the better treatment of women
in medical settings, a revolutionary stance in the
early 19th century.
Additionally, Berry fought to improve the sanitary conditions
of the soldiers and marginalized groups.
(08:38):
He often demanded reforms and upgrades in unconventional
ways, which occasionally would lead to a demotion
for Berry.
Still, Berry's career thrived as he moved between
military posts, earning promotions and accolades for his
service.
He rose to the rank of Inspector General
of Hospitals in Canada in 1857, an essential
(09:00):
position in the British Army.
Through his life, he was meticulous to control
and maintain the persona of a man.
Also, Berry was progressive and didn't drink or
eat meat.
He didn't have many relationships, but he loved
his dog named, get this, Psyche.
In 1865, Dr. Berry died from dysentery in
(09:23):
London.
When his body was prepared for burial, it
was revealed that he had female biological characteristics.
In the context of modern transgender rights and
visibility, Dr. James Berry is often cited as
one of the earliest figures whose life offers
a window into the lived experiences of trans
individuals.
(09:44):
Though Berry's story remained hidden for many years,
his legacy inspires and resonates today, especially among
transgender individuals.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, his courage in living
as his authentic self serves as a reminder
of the power of determination and the importance
of challenging societal norms.
(10:05):
Berry's life shows us that gender identity is
not a new concept, but something that has
always existed, even if it wasn't always recognized
or understood.
His courage to live authentically, despite the social
pressures of his time, remains a testament to
the resilience of the human spirit.
(10:26):
His journey through the medical profession and his
role as a trailblazer for transgender individuals in
medicine make his story inspiring, particularly for those
who face ongoing challenges in achieving their goals
due to societal expectations.
Berry's contributions to medicine, including his surgical skills,
(10:47):
advocacy for better treatment of women, and efforts
to improve hospital hygiene are enduring parts of
his legacy.
Dr. James Berry's story provides a fascinating lens
into the early history of transgender individuals in
medicine and how they navigate a world that
was and still is often hostile to their
identities.
(11:08):
Berry's groundbreaking contributions to surgery and medicine make
him an admirable figure whose story deserves to
be remembered and considered as we strive to
build equity for transgender communities.
Angela Clayton was an extraordinary nuclear physicist who
(11:29):
broke barriers not just in her scientific field,
but also in the world of transgender rights.
She was born in 1959 in the United
Kingdom.
Her life was defined by her pioneering work
in health physics, specifically in the areas of
radiation protection and nuclear safety.
However, what really sets her apart is the
(11:50):
fact that she did all of this while
living openly as a transgender woman during a
time when this kind of decision could have
ruined her career in both science and public
life.
She was born at a time when gender
roles in society and science were strictly defined.
Women, especially in the fields of physics, were
seen as exceptions rather than the norm.
(12:13):
And for someone like Angela, who would later
transition, the barriers to success were even higher.
Angela's education in physics was one of the
defining elements of her life.
As a student, she showed a deep interest
in the physical sciences and pursued a career
in nuclear physics, a field dominated by men
at the time.
It's still dominated by men.
(12:35):
But she worked tirelessly, excelling in a world
that was not only unfamiliar with the idea
of women in these fields, but also openly
hostile toward them.
As she advanced in her career, Angela's personal
life began to take on a whole new
chapter.
She decided to transition, an incredibly bold move
at that time.
(12:55):
It was not just a personal transformation, but
a public one that could have cost her
her career.
Yet, Angela's courage allowed her to live her
truth.
Her transition made her one of the first
openly transgender professionals in the fields of physics.
She did this during an era when such
a decision carried grave professional consequences.
(13:17):
But Angela remained undeterred, continuing her work and
gaining recognition for her expertise.
This decision would shape her career in ways
both surprising and profound.
And it became a core part of her
journey.
Angela Clayton's contributions to nuclear physics were profound
and highly influential.
(13:38):
She specialized in health physics, which is a
branch of physics that focuses on the protection
of people and the environment from the harmful
effects of radiation.
Angela worked to develop radiation shielding technologies.
These innovations were critical in preventing radiation exposure
in various industries, including nuclear power plants, medical
(13:59):
research facilities, and scientific experiments involving radioactive
materials.
Her work centered on improving the safety protocols
for handling radioactive materials.
And through her research, she played a pivotal
role in creating better safety standards for those
working in nuclear energy, which ultimately helped minimize
health risks related to radiation exposure.
(14:22):
One of her significant contributions was to the
design and the development of radiation shields.
These were materials and structures that could effectively
block or absorb radiation, protecting workers and the
surrounding environment.
Her findings were critical in helping shape the
modern standards for radiation protection that we use
(14:42):
today.
But I want to go beyond the path
she paved for our future generations of transgender
individuals in science.
I want to talk about the path that
she paved.
It was amazing.
And she was so brilliant.
She worked as the head of criticality safety
at the atomic weapons establishment.
Additionally, she was a chairperson of the United
(15:04):
Kingdom Working Party on criticality.
So she was highly involved with safety protocols
as it relates to atomic weapons.
But she also worked overseas in the United
States.
As part of the working group for the
American National Standards, she was a member.
She also served in an advisory role for
several international conferences on nuclear criticality.
(15:26):
So she was passionate about the safety protocols
as it relates to nuclear safety.
She also wrote and co-authored many papers
on nuclear criticality safety.
She was fully immersed in her work and
also took on a multitude of roles in
safety committees and the reactor safety panel at
AWE, which is the atomic weapons establishment.
(15:48):
Her career was no doubt exceptionally remarkable.
She also worked as an advocate for transgender
rights, campaigning for an organization called Press for
Change.
She went on to serve as their vice
president as well.
Her fight for equality for transgender individuals encouraged
her to take on the role of the
(16:09):
first trans observer to the United Kingdom's Trade
Union Congress LGBT Committee.
Additionally, she helped to develop and implement the
Gender Recognition Act of 2004.
Her brilliance pursued.
She immersed herself in her lifelong love of
astronomy.
And in 2005, she became a member of
(16:31):
the Order of the British Empire.
This was an appointment.
This means that she was awarded a very,
very prestigious honor by the British government that
recognized her for her devotion to gender issues.
And in April 2009, she obtained a law
degree.
I am so impressed with this amazing woman.
(16:54):
Unfortunately, she had to take an early retirement
in March of 2011.
She was struggling from medical complications from an
old automobile accident in 1996.
She not only inspires transgender individuals to live
their lives to the fullest extent as a
transgender, but she also inspires humans to simply
embrace their best life despite their situations.
(17:16):
And I always say at the end of
my podcast, until next time, Carpe Diem, I
am all about seizing the day.
But I'm telling you, Angela is the epitome
of Carpe Diem.
She was amazing.
If you look her up to, you will
see this in her smile.
Sadly, Angela passed away on January 8th, 2014.
Hers was a tremendous life cut too short.
(17:38):
And no doubt the world is a tremendously
better and safer place because of her.
It's important to understand the context in which
Clayton was working.
The world of science in the 20th century,
particularly fields like physics and nuclear energy, were
dominated by men.
The barriers for women were already high, but
(17:58):
for transgender women like Angela, the barriers were
even more insurmountable.
Angela's decision to transition and live openly as
a transgender woman was groundbreaking.
It was incredibly rare for someone in her
position to be openly themselves while maintaining a
career in a prestigious and demanding field.
Yet her work spoke for itself.
(18:19):
She didn't allow the challenges of being a
transgender woman in a male dominated field to
deter her.
Instead, she used her expertise to advocate for
safer working conditions and for the inclusion of
diverse voices in the field of science.
Clayton was not just a scientist.
She was also an activist.
As a transgender woman, she faced the harsh
(18:40):
realities of discrimination and exclusion, but she channeled
those experiences into advocacy.
In addition to her advocacy for transgender rights,
Angela used her platform to challenge the stigma
that often accompanied being transgender, especially in a
professional and scientific environment.
(19:00):
She didn't just want equality for transgender people.
She wanted recognition, respect, and a voice for
those who had been silenced by society's narrow
view of gender.
Clayton's legacy is one of both scientific achievement
and social change.
Through her groundbreaking work in physics, she helped
ensure safer environments for those working with dangerous
(19:21):
materials, directly contributing to the safety of nuclear
facilities around the world.
But perhaps by living authentically and pursuing her
career with passion and expertise, Clayton proved that
gender identity should never limit one's contributions to
society.
She demonstrated that the most meaningful progress often
(19:42):
comes from individuals who break the mold, and
she helped make the scientific community and society
at large a more inclusive space.
Clayton's life is a testament to the power
of resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of
knowledge.
Her work in physics changed the world, and
her advocacy for transgender rights continues to inspire
(20:05):
countless individuals.
Dr. James Barry and Angela Clayton, though separated
by time and circumstance, share an enduring legacy
defined by brilliance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment
to authenticity in the face of overwhelming societal
obstacles.
Both of them demonstrated immense courage in transitioning.
(20:29):
Barry in a time when such a decision
was unheard of, and Clayton in a world
that was hostile to her truth.
As a pioneering surgeon and groundbreaking nuclear physicist,
they not only reshaped their respective fields, but
also defied the expectations of a society that
sought to dictate who they could be.
(20:50):
Their transitions were acts of profound bravery, embracing
who they truly were despite the risks and
challenges.
These stories remind us of the critical importance
of allowing individuals to live as their authentic
selves.
When society gives people the freedom to express
their true identity, they are empowered to contribute
(21:12):
their best to the world, both in science
and beyond.
Barry and Clayton's lives show us that scientific
progress is not only driven by intellect, but
by the courage to break down barriers and
live authentically.
Their stories call us to build a future
where no one has to choose between their
identity and their passion, where diversity is not
(21:34):
just accepted, but celebrated, and where science thrives
because of our differences, not in spite of
them.
Thank you for tuning in to Math Science
History.
And until next time, carpe diem.
(21:55):
Thank you for joining me at Math Science
History.
Please remember to subscribe to the show.
Also, if you could leave a rating or
a review, I would truly appreciate that.
Those ratings and reviews really help to increase
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If you want to learn more about the
(22:16):
history of math and science, please visit me
at mathsciencehistory.com.
There, you can find the transcripts and additional
information to each topic, as well as additional
links to other sites.
Oh, and hey, if you like what you're
listening to and you like what you're reading,
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(22:37):
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If you would like an early peek and
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(22:58):
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Also, if you're interested in having me speak
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me at gabrielleberchak.com.
I would love to come share the world
of math, science, and history with you, your
audience, and your students.
(23:19):
Finally, if you're interested in leaving me a
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Until next time, carpe diem.
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