There’s nothing normal about life in space—it asks us to rethink almost everything about being human. Queer and gender-nonconforming people around the world and throughout time know a thing or two about what is “normal” and what isn’t and think often about what it is to be human in a hostile environment. How might queer perspectives—perspectives from people used to thinking differently about humanity, community, and problem solving—inform the future of space exploration for the better? This talk looks at ancient cosmologies from a variety of civilizations as well as the past and present of gender-nonconforming people and contrasts both with our current moment in space. How are we limiting space exploration by shackling it to capitalistic or scientific motivations only? What innovation and cultural conversations might queer perspectives on space exploration allow? What other paths might be possible?
Reception and Q&A to follow.