First coined in 1994 by Professor Cate Sandilands, queer ecology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersect between nature and queer theory as well as queerness itself. It concerns everything from the existence of queer tendencies within nature to the application of queer theory when studying the natural world. Nature and queerness have traditionally often been viewed as antithetical, but recognising the ways they intersect can offer insights valuable to both conservation and LGBTQ+ liberation efforts.

Dominant heteronormative narratives in fields like zoology have led to scientists censoring or misidentifying evidence of homosexual and transexual behaviours and processes within the natural world. However, this behaviour can be found in more than 1,500 species of animal. Both male and female bonobo monkeys are known to practice same-sex interactions while male zebra finches may form lifelong same-sex relationships with one another.

Nature also displays complex sex variance. The Schizophyllum commune species of fungi has over 20,000 different sexes, benefiting the species by making reproductive compatibility between any two individuals more probable. Furthermore, all clownfish are protandrous meaning that they first develop into males then potentially to females in specific situations. Groups are led by a dominant female and male, however if this female clownfish dies the male will change sex to replace her and another male from the group will replace the original male. This ability to change sex is not unique and occurs in multiple fish species although the specific processes vary.

Queer ecology goes further than acknowledging variance of sex and sexuality in nature; it also offers elements of queer theory that can reframe the way we consider issues of environmentalism and conservation. For instance the idea of “unwanted species”, often used to justify the use of dangerous and unnecessary pesticides or insecticides, can be reframed as the othering of marginalised communities under systems of colonial heteronormative power. Queer theory scholars also often use “queering” as a verb. In the context of ecology this means to question assumed categories, binaries and definitions that exist in dominant narratives. For instance, deconstructing the concept of humanity as inherently separate and opposed to nature or the idea that environmentalism must come at the cost of prosperity.

Beyond academia, groups such as “Queer Out Here”, founded by Ailish Breen and “Venture Out Project”, founded by Perry Cohen allow LGBTQ+ people to engage with and find a sense of belonging in nature as well as providing safe and sober spaces to socialise without the worry of encountering discrimination. From my own experience as a young queer person growing up in rural Cornwall, I’ve found solidarity and joy by immersing myself in nature and observing the strange, wonderful processes and creatures it has to offer. I am able to simply exist in a neutral state without feeling the need to justify or explain my existence. Parts of the natural world are often misunderstood and even vilified simply because people do not understand them, something which is unfortunately still familiar to many LGBTQ+ people. For both LGBTQ+ discrimination and biphobia, education and a willingness to confront existing biases play a huge role in making progress.

I would encourage anyone interested in conservation and environmentalism to explore queer ecology further as this article only provides a very brief introduction to a complex and vital field.

By Nat Knight
Youth Action Committee General Officer