Nuclear weapons need ‘Queer Theory’ according to Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

In a June 15 article, titled, "Queering nuclear weapons: How LGBTQ+ inclusion strengthens security and reshapes disarmament," a BAC author makes the argument that "queer theory informs the struggle for nuclear justice and disarmament," among other points.

The BAC writing team includes "top policymakers, researchers, and opinion makers from more than 150 countries" regarding nuclear weapons. It was founded by Manhattan Project scientists in 1945.

In celebration of pride month, the BAC published an article saying they would like "readers to understand that the visible representation and meaningful participation of queer people matters for nuclear policy outcomes."

With a high focus on "[e]quity and inclusion for queer people," the BAC wrote that this is "essential for creating effective nuclear policy."

The article alleges that "nuclear facilities still have a reputation for being unwelcoming toward queer people and have failed to investigate allegations of homophobia and harassment." This is allegedly due to the "lack of diversity in the nuclear field."

In addition to the angle on "equity and inclusion," the article takes another tact and says that queer theory "informs theories that aim to change how officials, experts, and the public think about nuclear weapons."

One such argument had to do with "rejecting binary choices and zero-sum thinking." The choices given to compare to the 'gender binary' were the use of nuclear force or disarmament. Queer theory in this way "imagines alternatives that serve a broader range of interests” in the field of nuclear weaponry.

Stressing the time-sensitive matter of the application of queer theory to nuclear weapons, the article insists, "The time to do better is now.”

"As the nuclear field continues to reflect on its legacy of exclusion and homogeneity during this Pride Month, we as stakeholders, decision makers, and advocates for change should also realize our privilege of being able to openly discuss the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community without fear of criminalization, retribution, or death," the article continued.

In conclusion, it stated, "[a]rguments to the contrary are as stagnant and outdated as those who voice them."