Symposium | Exploring Queerness in Natural History

This is an in-person meeting at the Linnean Society.

This event brings together a vibrant line-up of ecologists, historians, archivists, curators, and artists to ask how we can create more inclusive environmental spaces, narratives, and practices.

It is aimed at professionals working within environmental charities, botanic gardens, museums, and scientific institutions, and is for anyone who:

• Wants to engage authentically with LGBTQ+ audiences.
• Wants to tell stories about LGBTQ+ scientists and historic figures.
• Wants to explore and contribute to the growing field of Queer Ecology.

Through talks, discussion, and networking, this symposium will provide space for participants to share experience, spark ideas, and strengthen connections between those working in the environmental and cultural sectors. It encourages dialogue between academics, educators, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) professionals, and community organisers working at the intersection of science, nature, DEI, and storytelling.

Provisional Programme

• 10.00-11.00 Plenary: What is Queer Ecology and the Evolution of the Field. Connor Butler, Consultant Ecologist, and Dani Crowley, Bangor University, Natural Resources Wales and ZSL.
• 11.00-11.30 Coffee break
• 11.30-12.15 Queer Science: an Unnatural Natural History. Simon Goldhill, University of Cambridge
• 12.15-13.00 Connecting Queer Secondary School Students with Science. Liam Cini-O'Dwyer, King's College London
• 13.00-14.00 Lunch and optional Zine-making Workshop led by Ellie Armstrong, Univeristy of Leicester, and Liz Hide, Sedgwick Museum
• 14.00-14.45 Panel: Authentically Engaging with LGBTQ+ Groups and Community Engagement
• Russell Arnott, Incredible Oceans CIC
• Alex Blomfield and Lou Mather, Transpiration Wellbeing
• Em Merrin May Armstrong, University of Glasgow
• Catherine Mercer, British Ecological Society ALDER Network
• 14.45-15.30 Panel: Delivering Exhibitions or Events about Queerness in the Natural World
• Paolo Cocco, interpretation specialist
• Josh Davis, Natural History Museum
• Josh Pope, London Zoo / ZSL LGBTQ+ Equality Network Chair
• Fenja Schultz, Powell-Cotton Museum
• 15.30-16.00 Coffee Break
• 16.00-16.30 Supporting LGBTQ+ fieldworkers - learnings from the PRIDE Guidelines. Robin Hayward, University of Leeds
• 16.30-17.30 Perceived Queerness Throughout Scientific History. Ross Brooks, Oxford Brookes University
• 17.30-18.30 Drinks Reception

Tickets

In person tickets include refreshments, lunch and an evening drink reception. We offer discounts to Linnean Society members, students and concessions.

Please buy the concession ticket if you are any of the below:

• 65 years of age, or over
• Under 26 years of age
• Currently in receipt of UK government benefit (including, but not limited to, Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit, and Universal Credit).
• Currently in full-time education.

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