From astronomy to activism

Abstract

Mark Stenhoff looks back at the life of US astronomer Frank Kameny (1925–2011), whose career-ending dismissal led to a life of gay rights activism, and explores what his legacy means for LGBTQ+ scientists today.

Increasing inclusion & competency in STEM: Understanding LGBTQ+ history, barriers, and heteronormativity

“…Both were predominantly white, in part because racial differences meant that individuals experienced homophobia in significantly different ways [38]. The Mattachine Society shifted focus to lobbying and the courts due to the advocacy of Frank Kameny, an astronomer who lost his job in the Lavender Scare [36,39]. This was reflected in the courts in 1969, when Clifford Norton, a NASA employee who was fired for homosexual activity, won a court case against the government [36].…”