This week I am talking to Dr. Kaitlin Rasmussen, this is the first of a two parter where we will talk about being an astronomer and non-binary, as well as an astronomer and writer of science fiction! A bit of background about kay: they are an astrobiologist at University of Washington and the forthcoming author of "Life in Seven Numbers: The Drake Equation Revealed". They also co-edit a speculative fiction magazine "If There's Anyone Left" and parent two unruly cats.

Find Kay on Twitter: @toomanyspectra and @C_M_Fields

Reach out to AstronomerAnd:
Twitter: @astronomerand
Instagram: @astronomerandpod
Email: astronomerand@gmail.com

Show Notes:
If There's Anyone Left: https://www.iftheresanyoneleft.com/

Cover Art: iritmogilevsky.com, Instagram: irit.mog
Theme Tune: Omar Chakor - https://www.fiverr.com/ch6k0r

Land Acknowledgement:
This podcast was recorded in Hawai'i. I recognize that her majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom and these territories under duress and protest to the United States to avoid the bloodshed of her people. I further recognize that generations of indigenous Hawaiians and their knowledge systems shaped Hawaiʻi in a sustainable way that allows me to enjoy her gifts today.
This episode was funded by the Curb Center in Nashville and we recognize that this land belonged to the Indigenous People before it came to be known as the state of Tennessee, or as the United States of America. We recognize that that Indigenous Peoples were the first residents of what we now know as the State of Tennessee and that Nashville is built upon the homelands and villages of the Indigenous Peoples of this region including the Shawnee, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Yuchi tribal nations. Our ability to live and work in this state is the result of direct coercion, forced dispossession, and deliberate colonization. To ignore that is to perpetuate injustice to populations of people that continue to seek redistribution of land that was once theirs. We provide this land acknowledgement in recognition and respect of the indigenous people to whom this land truly belongs. We recognize that acknowledgment by itself is a small gesture, and that it becomes meaningful when coupled with authentic relationship and informed action.

Inclusivity Statement:
I wish for this podcast to be a safe space for those of every gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, race, religious group and age group. I am always trying to learn and improve on my unconscious bias. Any suggestions for improvement will be gratefully received at astronomerand@gmail.com.