Queering Nature: Exploring 2SLGBTQIA+ Perspectives in Ecology and Environmentalism
Date & Time: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Doors open at: 6:30 PM
Film screening at 7 PM, followed by a panel discussion.
Film run time: 52 minutes.
Presented by: Canmore Pride Society, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, artsPlace
Funding from: Banff Canmore Foundation
Location: artsPlace (theatre room) 950 8 Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 2T1
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ouS5gu39Zp5XQCzc6
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Event Description:
How is queerness reflected in nature? Why does it matter? How have dominant scientific narratives shaped our understanding of gender and sexuality in the natural world, and what can we learn by looking beyond those assumptions?
Join us for an evening of rich conversation at the intersection of queerness, environmentalism, and ecological thinking. The event will feature a screening of Animal Pride: Nature’s Coming Out Story, a film that challenges conventional ideas about nature and sexuality. Following the screening, a panel of 2SLGBTQIA+ community members from diverse nature-based disciplines—including ecology, farming, and environmental activism—will explore how queer perspectives reshape our understanding of the natural world, fostering more inclusive and holistic approaches to science, conservation, and sustainability.
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About the Film
In Animal Pride: Nature’s Coming Out Story, Queer naturalist Connel Bradwell challenges mainstream biology’s blindspot for queer animal behaviour in nature. Schooled in the birds and the bees, survival of the fittest, The Origin of Species, Connel sees the disconnect – how can humans be Queer, while animals supposedly aren’t?
After observing same-sex behaviour in orcas, Connel embarks on a journey to unveil nature’s true diversity of gender expression and sexuality. Fueled by his love for the natural world, Connel discovers the science behind same-sex parenting in seabirds, hermaphrodite slugs, and the hidden history of same-sex penguin behaviour. Not your typical wildlife documentary, Animal Pride celebrates diversity, and presents a riotous rebellion against stereotypes. It also has the capacity to fundamentally shift how we see the natural world, and our place within it.
We’ve all heard the rhetoric – that being queer isn’t natural. Connel’s irreverent approach takes a wrecking ball to the ivory tower of heteronormative science, demanding answers to why the world has been missing out on the wild, wonderful, and downright sexy side of nature.
Meet the Panel:
Coralia Sevilla (she/her/ella)
Coralia Sevilla is a Mestiza climber who embraces the outdoors in all its forms, from rock and snow. A dedicated elementary school teacher in Mînî Thnî (Mini-thnee), Coralia also serves as a local indoor climbing instructor, Arc’teryx Alberta Ambassador and is the VP of Soul of Miistaki (Miss-dah-gui - Blackfoot for Mountain), a non-profit focused on inclusion in outdoor recreation. Her mission is to guide others in experiencing nature mindfully, especially those who have been underrepresented in the field.
Rebecca Smith (they/them)
Rebecca is a queer ecologist living in the bow valley. They are a botanist who works locally in native plant restoration, fire and emergency response. They are enchanted with the endless possibilities inherent in plant and human communities.
Travis Rider (he/him)
Travis Rider is a Stoney Nation community member who works to promote mental health and wellness from a Stoney perspective. He believes this work is important because when you incorporate Stoney ways of being and knowing into mental health and addictions support, it creates a relatable path forward to healing for many different people from Indigenous communities. Travis is the Indigenous Liaison to artsPlace who has helped initiate a series of Cultural Learning Circles that aspire to build a bridge of understanding between different cultural groups in the Bow Valley.
Moderator: Tanya Pacholok (she/her)
Tanya (she/her) is a queer community engagement worker with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley. Her recent Master’s project featured an arts-based exhibit on 2SLGBTQIA+ perspectives in queer ecologies. She is passionate about the intersections of climate justice, gender and sexuality inclusion, and socially engaged art to reimagine how we organize and relate.
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Cost: Free!
Registration: This event is open to the public. We prioritize creating a safe space and any discrimination will not be tolerated. This is a space for learning and growing our understanding of each other. Click here to reserve your free ticket.
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Accessibility:
There is a gender-neutral washroom available
The venue is wheelchair accessible including a wheelchair accessible washroom.
The theatre can fit up to 105 people in the audience.
There will be loud noise. Please bring your own ear plugs if needed.
There will be bright lights
The closest bus stop is Canmore 9th Street (Roam Transit) and is 200 metres from the venue.
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Getting here:
There is a paid parking lot in front of artsPlace including limited accessible parking spots. We also encourage you to walk/bike/bus/roll to the venue if possible.
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Food/Drinks: Snacks (popcorn, chocolate bars, candy, etc.) and drinks (sodas, beer, wine, etc.) will be available for purchase from the artsPlace concession stand inside of the venue. Cash and card payment will be accepted.
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Contact:
If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact the Canmore Pride team directly via email at community@canmorepride.ca!
Please note, due to the volume of emails, we suggest that you get in touch with us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event so we have time to respond to your inquiries.