LGBTQ+ representation and censorship are still problematic topics here on Earth, but on the moon, no worries. An LGBTQ+ art piece has landed on the moon during a recent launch of two unmanned space missions carrying messages to “promote advocacy” in space.
Aerospace firms Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines partnered with Interstellar Foundation and Space Pride to launch the two missions: Blue Ghost Mission 1 and IM-2 Mission. The missions contained a “milestone” Nanofiche disk with artwork etched on the surface, according to Pink News. The mission also included a digital copy of the art in a “lifeship Pyramid” inside the lunar lander.
The initiative was created by the Interstellar Foundation, whose mission is to preserve Earth’s cultural and scientific heritage on the Moon by archiving vital data and records in a set of landing missions.
The piece, entitled “Humanity’s Journey Into the Galaxy: We are All made of Stardust” was created by Space Pride operators Rania Djojosugito and Khushi Shah. The piece depicts a Black Hole absorbing a rainbow into its event horizon. Pink News reports artists intended to symbolize the “infinite potential of space” and the “unity and boundless opportunities of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Shah said of the initiative “As we reach for the stars and planets beyond Earth, it is important to showcase all forms of human culture and connection.” The first mission, Blue Ghost Mission 1 was launched on January 15 and landed on the moon’s surface on March 2. IM-2 followed, landing a few days later.
The act is one of rebellion when considering that NASA, the U.S. ‘s leading government space agency, was ordered to scrub all “DEI” and “LGBTQ+” content from all websites.
NASA’s site has already scrubbed pages like “Diversity at NASA,” a tab that featured Black, female and LGBTQ+ NASA employees, changing the page name to “special observations.” Djojosugito said “I hope this piece on the Moon will remind people that they are valid and heard. That the world is changing.”
