Nature Queerdos: Queer Ecology Book Group

A monthly Queer Ecology book group run by Nature Queerdos CIC, by and for queer people in a relaxed, wheelchair accessible and neurodivergent affirming environment. 

The first book we’ll be reading together will be the wonderful Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, which is a part-memoir and part-science ‘love letter to the messy, wondrous, complicated, binary-defying nature of the natural world’ (Ed Yong). 

“We’re told from a young age that ‘natural’ hierarchies govern the world. . . . But in Forest Euphoria, Kaishian urges us to reconsider this ‘natural’ order. By examining the vast diversity of the animal world, she invites readers to reexamine human society. Kaishian reflects on growing up with gender dysphoria and how the queer expansiveness of nature stood in stark contrast to rigid social and sexual binaries in her day-to-day life.” (Vanity Fair)

The idea is to work our way through the book over the next few months by reading excerpts and discussing them together. There’s no need to read the book in advance (though of course you can!). We’ll be starting the book for this event. You’re equally welcome to come along and just listen to the storytelling and discussion, speaking optional and no knowledge of queer ecology is required! The group will be facilitated by El and Laura, and we’ll be learning about this fascinating subject together. Come as you are - you are welcome to doodle, stim, take breaks etc. 

When: Thursday 29 October (last Thursday of each month), 7.30-9pm 

Where: Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room (Tent room), North Street, Southville
(venue location will alternate monthly with BASE Bristol, next event at BASE.)

This event is part of a two year programme funded by Bristol City Council as part of the Bristol Impact Fund. 

Access:

* If you need a personal assistant/carer they can come for free.
* If the cost of transport is a barrier for you, we have a limited amount of funding to cover costs. Please email us at least a week in advance if you would like assistance with this.
* Both Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room and BASE centre are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible toilets. 
* The book is also available as an audiobook. 

Mental health/illness and neurodivergence:

* Come as you are! It’s always OK to take breaks away from the group if needed, wear headphones, stim etc. 
* Please let us know if you would like a plan of timings and activities or need anything else to engage. 

For any access related needs or queries please email: [email protected] 

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