This article follows LGBT YouthLine’s Eco Advocacy Teach-in “Queer Ecology 101” hosted by Karyn Anderson.
ARTICLES
What is Queer Ecology? by Grace van Deelan, 2023
An article produced for the Sierra Club about the history of queer ecology and its implications for environmental justice.
How to Queer Ecology: One Goose at a Time by Alex Carr Johnson, 2011
This piece uses queer ecology as a framework for critiquing the limitations and biases found in nature writing.
Queer Ecology: Relationships to Nature by Braelai Hardt, 2023
Another great overview of Queer ecology written for the National Wildlife Federation.
Exploring Queer Ecology on Alberta’s Eastern Slopes by Josephine Boxwell, 2022
In this article, the author explores their relationship to queer ecology through the familiar species around them.
A Work of Love by Lulu Miller and John Megahan, 2023
This article outlines the development and impact of Bruce Bagemihl’s influential book Biological Exuberance. A key text in the field of queer ecology, this book helped shift scientific opinion about queer behaviour in wildlife.
Same-sex Behaviour Among Animals Isn’t New. Science is Finally Catching Up by Barry Yeoman, 2023
Explores the diversity of queer animal behaviour, the biases and barriers that scientists continue to face, and a new wave of research exploring this subject.
In this article, a group of researchers argue that same-sex sexual behaviour in animals is completely natural and shouldn’t be viewed as an evolutionary mystery that needs to be solved.
Frogs Change Sex Even in Natural Settings by The Wildlife Society, 2023
Highlighting how a common frog species found throughout Ontario regularly changes its sex in the wild.
The Queer Lives of Frogs by Ambika Kamath and Melina Packer, 2025
The authors of this article explore recent research into the ability of frogs to change their sexes as well as harmful narratives about what types of bodies are considered normative.
Research by biologist Karyn Anderson at the University of Toronto reveals the gaps and biases preventing scientists from publishing information about queer animal behaviour.
News coverage of Karyn’s research:
VIDEOS
The Nature of Things – Fluid: Life Beyond the Binary, 2024.
This episode of the CBC documentary series “The Nature of Things” explores a number of animals that challenge the sex binary, including tropical fish that undergo sex change. It’s hosted by non-binary comedian and actor Mae Martin.
Available for free in Canada on CBC Gem.
The Nature of Things – Animal Pride, 2025.
A follow-up episode of “The Nature of Things” focusing on the diversity of same-sex sexual behaviour in wildlife.
Available for free in Canada on CBC Gem.
Out & About – Is nature Queer?, 2021
A CBC short exploring queer ecology featuring non-binary bat biologist Estraven Lupino-Smith.
TRCA Youth Council Virtual Town Hall: Queer Ecology
An introduction to Queer ecology designed for a youth audience.
Lesbian National Parks and Services: A Force of Nature, 2002
A mockumentary created by Canadian performance artists Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan. Shawna and Lorri take on the role of lesbian rangers in this satire of nature documentaries, patriarchy, and the national parks system.
PODCASTS
Discover the story of two female birds that courted one another on an Ontario beach and how our understanding of queer ecology has expanded in recent years.
Canadaland – A Field Guide to Gay Animals, 2024
A podcast series outlining the sexual diversity of wildlife.
OTHER
An intersectional feminist birding group heavily involved in activism and mutual aid. Chapters exist across North America and Europe, including in Toronto and Windsor Ontario.
Instagram: @feministbirdclub
Toronto Chapter:
Instagram: @fbc.to
Windsor Chapter:
Instagram: @windsor.fbc
The Institute of Queer Ecology
A collective of artists exploring themes related to queer ecology including environmental justice.
Queer Forest Club
A Toronto-based group for queer nature-lovers of all knowledge levels.
Instagram: @queerforestclub
Willow Defebaugh
A trans naturalist, podcaster, and writer who work through a queer ecology lens.
Instagram: @willowonearth
Doll Herbalism
Ayelet is a trans herbalist based in New York. She works to educate trans women about plant medicine to help support their health and wellbeing.
Instagram: @doll.herbalism