Queer Environmentalism

What do LGBTQ+ rights and environmentalism have in common? Besides both being social movements, defined by Encyclopedia Britannica as “ a loosely organized but sustained campaign in support of a social goal, typically either the implementation or the prevention of a change in society’s structure or values,” they overlap in other areas as well. While it may not be obvious at the surface level, the intersection of these groups is highly important.

The main LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States is largely accepted as beginning in 1969 with the Stonewall Riots, initiated by trans women of color Marsha P Johnson and Silvia Rivera. The environmental movement in the US reached an important milestone around the same time, when the EPA was created by President Richard Nixon in 1970. Besides the similar time that they came into greater existence, it may seem that there is not much to be had in terms of commonality here. One movement was barely recognized by the government, the other got a whole federal agency. One movement existed outside of “typical” family structures, the other originated in part from families concerned about the health of their own and others. However, once we move outside of what seems like the obvious connection - the years of origin - the overlap actually becomes greater.

LGBTQ+ identity and society, as well as the idea of environmentalism, owe a lot to indigenous people, black people, and other marginalized racial groups. This aspect of these movements is often ignored in mainstream takes. Additionally, these further marginalized groups, while being the ones most impacted by the issues at hand, are often pushed to the bottom of the barrel.

Ultimately, the queer and environmental movement share many of the same struggles and goals. They aim to protect people, and improve their lives, and lift up the voices of those who need it. While this goal is not always accomplished, one method of collaboration between the groups is art. Queer ecology is an example of one area where art is applied, and I encourage you to check out more, and always keep learning.