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| Forum: | Space Explorers & Workers |
| Topic: | LGBTQ+ members of the astronaut corps |
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quote:
Originally posted by oly:
What difference does it make?
Astronaut Mike Mullane recently commented on Facebook about Francis' article. In part he wrote: I was part of the "problem" in the treatment of women astronauts... not just gay women. (FYI, I suspected Sally was gay. I think most of the TFNG males had similar suspicions but it was never discussed.)... I had long thought of writing Sally, herself, but kept putting it off to "tomorrow." Eventually, we run out of "tomorrows," as I did when I heard the news of Sally's death. I had no idea she was ill. So, I was never able to apologize to her. Mullane, who in his book (and in his post) explained how he came to "see America's greatness in the empowerment of all of our population... regardless of color, gender, age, sexual orientation," also shared the letter he sent to Tam O'Shaughnessy after Sally died. ...Sally was a remarkable woman and faced enormous obstacles with courage and dignity. I have four granddaughters and when they get older, I will encourage them to read Lynn [Sherr's] book. I want them to have an appreciation for the sacrifices women like Sally (and each of you) made to secure a future in which they won't be constrained in pursuing their own dreams. I didn't start this topic to encourage speculating on who may or may not be part of the LGBTQ+ community or, for that matter, debate the merits of discussing the subject. Rather, as Francis writes and as we often highlight on this forum, I think what identifies astronauts as "just like us" can and does serve as an inspiration for those who relate. | | ea757grrl | quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
Rather, as Francis writes and as we often highlight on this forum, I think what identifies astronauts as "just like us" can and does serve as an inspiration for those who relate.
To which I'd add: Given how many people make up the collectSPACE community, it's statistically very likely we have LGBTQ+ people here for whom this particular topic might resonate — so thank you, Robert, for keeping things dignified and respectful. Kudos as well to Francis for a very nicely-done article, and to Mike Mullane for his note of grace. | | Robert Pearlman | The Museum of Flight release Museum's Flight Deck Podcast LGBTQ+ Series Features Astronaut Wendy Lawrence Dec. 19Retired Navy Captain and 4-time astronaut on Flight Deck Season 3 finale The Museum of Flight's weekly podcast, Flight Deck, shares the personal side of aviation and space history. Flight Deck Season 3 concludes an 8-episode series on LGBTQ+ aerospace history on Dec. 19 with an interview with retired NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence. The conversation with host Sean Mobley ranges from life as a Navy helicopter pilot to her NASA career as an LGBTQ+ astronaut.
Flight Deck Season 3 offers interviews with a variety of people whose lives intersect with LGBTQ+ aerospace history, including United Airlines pilot and former co-chair of the National Gay Pilot's Association Greg Sumner; author, astrophysicist and science communicator Joalda Morancy; and X-15 historian, transgender activist, Air Force veteran and science educator Michelle Evans. Previous seasons offer conversations spanning topics from science fiction to walking on the Moon. Flight Deck is on the Museum's website and is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast providers. | | Colokent | I believe this topic is a deeply personal one, and that as such, I have zero idea why it is appropriate to use a person's sexual practices/proclivities as a theme for an event. Clearly anyone has the right to love anyone they want — so not arguing with that. I just don't see a valid relationship to the topic at hand — human spaceflight. | | Robert Pearlman | The subject of who someone loves is not only defined by sexual activities; it also is a trait that forms a person's complete character. No one seems to object to Rhea Seddon and Hoot Gibson appearing on stage at events as husband and wife, as well as being two astronauts. And there was plenty of focus paid to Anna Fisher when she became the first mother to fly into space (the result of a sexual activity). Religion is also a deeply personal topic, but it was great to see Jasmin Moghbeli spin the dreidel on the International Space Station, especially now, at a time when antisemitism is on the rise again. It's been said before, but if for no other reason, representation counts. "If you can see it, you can be it." A young Jewish girl can imagine being an astronaut just a bit more by seeing something she relates to take place in space. And members of the LGBTQ+ community can see themselves as part of the NASA astronaut corps as past members step forward and share their stories. | |
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