Every scientist is a person. In understanding science through a history, philosophy, and sociology of science lens, we must always consider who scientists are and what may affect their biases in conducting their science. It is really odd then that we basically never hear of LGBT scientists in the historical media, and this is not because they did not exist. 

Levi

Well, if you watched the above, its kind of silly, and a little bit adorable/heartwarming at the end. But it does reveal a link here between gender norms and sexuality. A lot of people in the LGBT community experience pressure from their parents to follow the gender norms apparent in society - a source of much of the tension between parents and their LGBT children when they come out. But what does sexuality say of your child? Just because your child identifies with a specific LGBT group does not mean they have to have a certain personality. Like this video kind of jokes about, just because your boy is gay does not mean he cannot be your next major league ball player. In improving society's strict and detrimental gender norms, we should also consider removing the stigmas parents associate with their child's developing sexuality.

Levi 

As someone who is involved in research in the field of animal behavior, I can see a modern turn towards inclusiveness even in the small slice of science that I work in. 

This past summer I was involved in a project where we examined the sexual behaviors of gray tree frogs (Hyla versicolor). Typically sexual selection studies are male-centered, focused on what traits in the males are preferred by females, and considers female preference static and invariable. The project I was involved with over the summer, however, looked at the intricacies of female preference, which, as a result of a male-biased science, has received little attention in the past. 

Specifically, we were looking at what is called the terminal investment hypothesis. This is the idea that animals in varying condition will put different amount of resources towards reproduction vs. survival since animals vary in their amount of residual, or future, reproductive potential. Basically, this is the idea is that animals in worse condition or older age will put more resources towards reproduction than those in better condition or younger age since they have less of a chance to reproduce and pass on their genes in the future. This has been typically examined in males, where males of worse condition or old age put more resources towards sexual signalling so they seem just as attractive as better condition or younger males which may actually be of better quality. However, this could also be the case in females, where females are less choosy with their sexual preferences when they are older or in worse condition, taking on more risk of mating with low quality mates so that they can secure last-ditch reproductive opportunities. This is what we examined in the gray tree frog: does female choosiness vary with her age or body condition, both potential indicators of her residual reproductive potential? 

This specific study shows me that the scientific community is open to shifting towards more inclusive research interests, not allowing male biases to be as prevalent research topics such as these in animal behavior. This gives me hope that, at least in the scientific community, there is an openness to considering topics such as homosexuality in research. 

_

Reflecting on this past Thanksgiving and the recent loss of Nelson Mandela, I have more to be thankful for than the usual family, friends, and health...

 

As we live in an age of few true role models, I am thankful for men like Nelson Mandela, an iconic leader, civil rights giant, and advocate of peace. May his spirit continue to inspire those who value love and acceptance over dismissal and hate.

 

I am thankful for the amazing people I have met and continue to meet since I began college. My freshman seminar professor once told us that the world is full of friends you have yet to meet. He was absolutely right.

 

And lastly, I am thankful to be part of a changing society, and I am thankful to be able to see those changes as they come. Nelson Mandela once said, “Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed towards the sun, one’s feet moving forward.” As we approach a new year, may we always remember to be moving forward.

 

 

Chris

America is one country in the world that is very hush-hush about sexuality.  I believe that America fears human sexuality a bit and thus, fears when homosexuals try and express their sexuality (and rights for their sexual orientation) and when artists and musicians try to show their sexual side during their performances.  Lately in the media, Miley Cyrus has been a major topic of talk. From her "raunchy and sexually-driven" performance of the "We Can't Stop" and Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" to her nude shot on top of a wrecking ball in her new music video.  She has made it clear to the world that she has no regrets about any of her decisions.  I am biased because I have been a fan for years of the talented star who is even younger than I am, but recently she brought up a very valid point.  She mentions the very popular show Breaking Bad and the drugs involved-

 "America is just so weird in what they think is right and wrong ... Like, I was watching Breaking Bad the other day, and they were cooking meth.  I could literally cook meth because of that show.  It's a how-to. And then they bleeped out the word 'fuck.' And I'm like, really?  They killed a guy, and disintegrated his body in acid, but you're not allowed to say 'fuck?'  It's like when they bleeped 'molly' at the [MTV Video Music Awards].  Look what I'm doing up here right now and you're going to bleep out 'molly'?"

It just brought to my attention how America really does view sexuality as something that should not be public what-so-ever, but drugs can be talked about and shown all over TV as if nothing is wrong with it.  Sexuality is a natural thing.  Sex is natural.  We need sex to survive.  Since when do we need methamphetamines to survive?  We don't, but it seems they are much more widely accepted on television than a little bit of sexual dancing (twerking) done by Miley.  Maybe America should listen to Miss Cyrus and reevaluate what is right and what is wrong.  Human sexuality, both heterosexual and homosexual, are natural processes and man-made psychoactive drugs are not.  

-Margeaux