Happy Pride month!

This blog is by Allen B, Elinor W, Sarah B and Tim G – the current and former queer staff at Environmental Defence – about the 7 fabulous reasons why we’re queer environmentalists.

1. RAINBOWS

 

Photo by Mark X via Unsplash

We love rainbows and nature produces great ones!  Who hasn’t seen the mega double rainbows that so often arc over Church Street after a steamy Pride afternoon thunderstorm? We take it as a message that somebody is really on our side.

2. NATURE DOESN’T JUDGE US

Photo on the left by Nina Hall. Photo on the right by Diogo Fagundes via Unsplash

No plant or animal has every judged us for holding hands with or kissing a same-sex, transgender, or non-binary partner. The only attitude we get from trees is jealousy for not being included in the snuggle. That is shade throwing we can live with.

3. (TREE)HUGGING

We adore hugging, including tree-hugging. Big trees make you feel supported, rooted and strong in a way that just begs you to grab hold to feel some of their power. We do the same with each other to double up on our reserves for getting around in the world.

4. FLANNEL

Photo by Kristy Kravchenko via Unsplash

Flannel – need we say more? But we will….queers in flannel near a cabin or park fire pit and an axe (for fire-wood only 😉 ) are irresistible and photogenic. It is not an authentic look on someone’s condo balcony.

5. SAME-SEX ANIMAL PAIRS

Photo by Dusan Veverkolog via Unsplash

Nature is filled with animals who same-sex parent or are gender non-binary. Penguins, cassowaries, and others all bend gender and parenting roles. The little ones seem to grow up loved and successful. Just like ours do.

6. NATURE’S DESIGN SENSE

Photo by John Lee via Unsplash

Nature has a fab design sense. Watch a fern unfurl, a wave crash on a cobbled beach or ice form a lace lattice on a still pond and you can’t help but be amazed at how nature puts herself together. We of course try to compete and like to think we do a fabulous job for humans.

7. ENDING ATTACKS ON THE EARTH – AND US

Photo by Sharon Mccutcheon via Unsplah

Nature gets taken for granted and kicked around a lot. From climate change to biodiversity wipe outs, the Earth is taking a beating. Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, especially BIPOC members, continue to experience attacks by people based on ignorance, fear or hate. As queer environmentalists we want to make the world a better place for our community and all life on the planet.

Happy Pride Month from Environmental Defence!