He who sees the world’s wondrous splendour is logically led to seeing the world’s wondrous suffering. He who sees the phenomenon wants to see the whole phenomenon. It is just a matter of attention, sequence and rigour.  – Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

Being a scientist is about questioning and staying consistent. It is to remain critical and alert, and let evidence change our views. One might find it natural and enriching to apply the same principles outside work. Here is a selection of resources on things I care for.

Animal rights and veganism

These podcasts take time for deep discussions, emphasizing  intersectional  veganism, non-judgmental communication and creating a supportive community. They are also critical of bad activism, social problems within veganism,  and misinformation from all sides of the debate.

• Vegan warrior princesses attack! (the issues)
• The bearded vegans

Other platforms and articles:

• Non-violent communication as advocacy (article)
• Intersections of justice: building an inclusive animal rights movement (talk by Christopher Sebastian)
• Black vegans rock (interviews, stories and profiles)
• Big fat vegan zine (articles, videos, interviews)

 

Women and marginalized communities in science

Including LGBTQ+ rights, subtle racism and sexism.

• Equal opportunities astronomy (comprehensive list of resources)
• Equity and representation in physics and astronomy (facebook group; read the instructions before joining)
• Women in physics (facebook group, open to everyone)
• Women in quantum information (facebook group, open to women)
• @BlackPhysicists (twitter account of the US-based National Society of Black Physicists)

 

Sex workers rights

Sex workers rights are human rights. Laws that criminalize sex work are extremely damaging to an already marginalized group. In the end, it’s about the state telling people (overwhelmingly women) what they can and cannot do with their  bodies. It’s about (overwhelmingly rich, white) people with no experience in the field speaking for the workers – victimizing or demonizing them. Before taking a stance, take an invitation to listen to the voices of those affected.

• Amnesty International’s statement of advocacy for decriminalization of all aspects of sex work.
• The Whorecast, a podcast by American sex workers (NSFW). Interviews and (especially in early episodes) deep discussions into the issues.
• UK Network of Sex Work Projects (a wealth of resources).

 

PS: let me know if you have a better translation of Sophia’s quote. The original, in Portuguese, is:

Aquele que vê o espantoso esplendor do mundo é logicamente levado a ver o espantoso sofrimento do mundo. Aquele que vê o fenómeno quer ver todo o fenómeno. É apenas uma questão de atenção, de sequência e de rigor. – Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen