The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAC), a nonprofit organization that focuses on nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies, aims to apply queer theory to nuclear weapons.
In an article titled “Queering nuclear weapons: How LGBTQ+ inclusion strengthens security and reshapes disarmament,” the BAC author argues that “queer theory informs the struggle for nuclear justice and disarmament.” The BAC writing team consists of policymakers, researchers, and opinion makers from over 150 countries, and it was founded by Manhattan Project scientists in 1945.
During Pride Month, the BAC published an article emphasizing the importance of visible representation and meaningful participation of queer people in nuclear policy outcomes. They believe that equity and inclusion for queer people are essential for effective nuclear policy. The article alleges that nuclear facilities have a reputation for being unwelcoming to queer people and have not addressed allegations of homophobia and harassment due to a lack of diversity in the nuclear field.
In addition to focusing on equity and inclusion, the article argues that queer theory informs theories that aim to change how officials, experts, and the public think about nuclear weapons. It suggests rejecting binary choices and zero-sum thinking and imagines alternatives that serve a broader range of interests in the field of nuclear weaponry. The article emphasizes the urgency of applying queer theory to nuclear weapons, stating, “The time to do better is now.”
The article acknowledges the privilege of openly discussing the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community without fear of criminalization, retribution, or death, while reflecting on the nuclear field’s legacy of exclusion and homogeneity during Pride Month. It concludes by dismissing contrary arguments as stagnant and outdated.
