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In 1913, Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton placed an ad in a newspaper that read "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wage, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness....Safe return doubtful...and recognition in case of success." He received about 5,000 applications.
Why would anyone choose to go to this barren, frozen continent now? Most people who have come "to the ice" in recent decades engage in scientific research or support those who do.
I conducted research on women in the Antarctic for several years. In that time, only one came out as a lesbian; she was part of an all-female ski expedition to the South Pole.
Because many Antarctic personnel are linked with the US military in one way or another, we were concerned that our participants might not want to come out to us as lesbian or bisexual. So I was intrigued to read an article entitled "Below the Ice: An Antarctic Journal" by Peggy Malloy in a recent issue of WEIRD SISTERS, a Colorado lesbian newspaper.
I emailed Peggy in the Antarctic and she responded as follows: "For most people who come to work in Antarctica, it is the sense of adventure that draws us to this extreme environment. Most of us would never have the money to be a tourist-visitor; and we would not be able to learn to love it during such a short visit, as many of us have done over the seasons.
"Those who get through a season here are strong spirited to start with, and stronger still upon leaving. Being a lesbian was not a contributing factor, whereas persistence, flexibility, emotional and physical strength are more important.
"There is a joke that usually goes around town toward the middle of the season: How do you get a date with a woman? Answer: be one. There are approximately 36% females working in the Antarctic program. Yes, there are other lesbians in town, and a very small handful of gay men.
"The men are quite closeted. This was a military base at one time and there are still plenty of military influences since so many ex-military currently work for Antarctic Support Associates, the civilian contracting firm in the Antarctic. The lesbians are generally out, but several are not.
"This is a generally accepting environment, mainly since we all have to work and live together for long periods of time. If someone doesn't agree with a lifestyle, it's futile to fight it. I do not try to hide my sexuality, but I don't flaunt it either. There is always a fear that one won't get rehired because of it. However, this seems to be residual from living in northern society, and not well founded in the hiring practices of this company. If there are any prejudices, I would say it is against women in general, not just against lesbians. There is no attempt by the US Antarctic Program to be lesbian-affirmative, of which I am aware.
"I have worked at the US McMurdo Station on the Antarctic continent for three seasons so far. Each year the circle of friends increases: friends of friends tell friends, and end up coming work here with us. Each year there seem to be more males who gravitate to our circle. These are straight men that feel more comfortable striking friendships with us, mostly since we are 'safe.' There is no concern that we will want anything more than a friendship.
"Email is the best way to keep in touch with community from home. I am grateful to those who write and keep me informed of happenings, and gossip, and events such as the Rainbow Chorus concerts. I was quite involved with them before coming to work down here.
"This is such an isolated place, very little outside stimulation from color (things are brown or white), smells (only the smell of fuel), and life (nothing grows here naturally other than some algaes). We see some seals and maybe some penguins at the end of the summer season. News from home or small care packages from friends are treasured like a long lost love's return. Anything, and everything, is a special gift.
"This is also the time when I have more contact with friends than usual, as I can sit at the computer and drop a quick note to say, 'hi, how are you doing?'"
Esther Rothblum is Professor of Psychology at the University of Vermont and Editor of the Journal of Lesbian Studies. She can be reached at John Dewey Hall, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT or by email.
