(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) A nonprofit known as the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists recently released an article announcing the need to “queer nuclear weapons.”
According to the Post Millennial, the article, published on June 15, made the argument that LGBT inclusion could improve national security and “nuclear justice.”
Founded in 1945 as the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists of Chicago (BAC) by Manhattan Project scientists, the bulletin includes “top policymakers, researchers, and opinion makers from more than 150 countries,” and focuses on nuclear risk, climate change and disruptive technologies.
BAC published its “queer theory” article in recognition of “Pride” month, claiming that “equity and inclusion for queer people” was “essential for creating effective nuclear policy,” although there is no indication that the two are directly correlated from a scientific standpoint.
The bulletin suggested, however, that perhaps hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour could liven up their bunker and take the intensive focus off the mathematical calculations, vectors and formulas that too often occupy the thoughts of the average nuclear physicist.
“Nuclear facilities still have a reputation for being unwelcoming toward queer people and have failed to investigate allegations of homophobia and harassment,” the article said. “In part, this is due to the lack of diversity in the nuclear field.”
The article also claimed that queer participation “informs theories that aim to change how officials, experts and the public think about nuclear weapons.”
Allegedly, the inclusion of gay people into the nuclear disarmament process may allow the closed-minded scientists currently in the field to “reject binary choices and zero-sum thinking,” it said.
“Queer theory… identifies the assumptions and interests these ideas are built on—and imagines alternatives that serve a broader range of interests, including those of the invisible and resource-stripped,” the article said.
The article further stressed the urgency of the situation, insisting that “the time to do better is now.”
The scientists compared the situation to the anti-communist movement, the “Red Scare,” dubbing the alleged persecution of gay and lesbian employees the “Lavender Scare.”
"Being LGBTQ+ has historically been considered a security risk.
Akin to the “Red Scare” anti-communism movement, the “Lavender Scare” was a campaign persecuting and dismissing gay and lesbian federal employees."https://t.co/OUUK5tTbdn
— Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (@BulletinAtomic) June 21, 2023
BAC is also well known for maintaining its notorious Doomsday Clock, which it uses to fearmonger about the growing risk of a global armageddon while passive-aggressively offering woke commentary on global events with which it disapproves.
In January, the group put the clock at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest its ever been to nuclear catastrophe—after threats made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Finding a path to serious peace negotiations could go a long way toward reducing the risk of escalation,” the scientists said. “In this time of unprecedented global danger, concerted action is required, and every second counts.”
