For twenty-five years, June has been officially recognized as Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating and supporting the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. Since then, queer-affirming spaces have become more prominent and diverse. On Friday, June 28, the Museum of the Earth hosted its Night of Queeriosity, an evening event dedicated to building a “space to discuss all things science and queer.” To make the event more accessible, the museum offered discounted admission rates to all entrants.
Inspired by an event hosted by the Geological Society of America focused on bringing queer geologists together, the Night of Queeriosity was created to encourage the Ithaca community to explore the intersection between science and queer identity. “I wanted a space that would say, ‘You’re invited. We want you here, and we want you to know that you’re welcome,’” stated Nico Tutoni, the museum’s Director of Visitor Services.
The Night of Queeriosity featured a queer-themed button-making station and scavenger hunt, as well as a list of icebreakers designed to encourage conversation about the ways that queer folks have impacted science. “My hope is that people start talking to each other while they’re here […] and garner a larger sense of community,” Tutoni commented. The activities catered to queer folks of all ages; both older and younger participants engaged in the activities and with each other during the event.
Tutoni encourages everyone interested in STEM and queer identity to attend the next Night of Queeriosity, which they hope to expand soon by partnering with local peer organizations. As she explained, “There are queer spaces in STEM, and we’d love to have you at the museum.”