Stars on Stage, Not in Space

Katy Perry took a 10-minute trip to space this month, but what was supposed to be a groundbreaking moment for women in STEM quickly became a symbol of performative activism. The event, which made headlines for its high-profile nature, left a massive carbon footprint, raising questions about the environmental costs of space tourism. While it was marketed as a celebration of women’s achievements, many saw it as just another publicity stunt, leaving a lot to be desired in terms of real representation and impact.

While the event was touted to commemorate the rights of women to travel to space, it was more focused on celebrity culture than on what actually constituted the contributions of women engineers, scientists, or astronauts. Most viewers believed that the spotlight shifted from acknowledging actual contributions to presenting an act appearing more theatrical than substantial.

This incident is an example of a larger phenomenon than an isolated event. Industries are seeing an increased tendency where institutions respond to appearing to support women by making surface-level acknowledgments, and not by actually making major changes. From company-wide promotions every Women’s History Month to “Women in tech” sessions at tech conferences, appearances are all that usually change and not any actual investment or access to opportunities for women.

Representation itself is not sufficient. When women are routinely invited to prominent occasions only to be symbols and not stakeholders, what is clearly being said is that visibility trumps influence.

Honoring women in sectors such as aerospace needs to involve hearing from the people actually doing the work—not substituting performances for genuine recognition. It needs to involve investing in research conducted by women, advocating for women to be placed in leadership roles, and challenging the obstacles that remain.

The Katy Perry event did not fail on its entertainment value; it failed because entertainment was permitted to substitute for substance. Realistically, progress requires better than a sideshow. It requires a seat at the table.

Until then, the last great frontier will not be outer space. It will be true equality for all genders.