Hello Spring

Queer ecology helps us understand the natural world | Out & About

In the past, scientific assumptions of ‘normal’ behaviour have kept us from fully understanding nature

In the past, scientific assumptions of ‘normal’ behaviour have kept us from fully understanding nature

What is 'queer ecology' and why is it important?

4 years ago
Duration 5:01
Is nature queer? Non-binary bat researcher Estravan (they/them) explores nature, biology, and sexuality in the natural world through the study of queer ecology. They challenge us to consider how hetero/cis normativities, such as gender binaries and natural and unnatural behaviours, have shaped our perspectives of nature.

Have you ever wondered about the ways that queerness fits into the natural world? Artist and Reseacher Estraven Lupino-Smith breaks down queer ecology, the study of reimagining nature through queer theory. 

Society's negative biases surrounding gender and sexuality have had an effect on the accuracy of how research is done in the natural world. Smith and wildlife conservationist and educator Connel Bradwell break down conventions in science and biology and think more critically about how queerness shows itself in nature. Queer ecology is helping us better understand our relationship with nature.

______________________________________________________________

Click here for more scenes from spring across the country. Show us your spring with the hashtag #HelloSpringCBC.