Outdoor Learning Conference 2026

Nature is queer! There is a multitude of diversity in the natural world, from fungi with over 23,000 sex types to 1500+ different animals who engage in same-sex sexual behaviour. Why is queer ecology so important? Queer people have been and continue to be oppressed and discriminated against, often with an argument that being queer 'isn’t natural', which couldn’t be further from the truth. Queer ecology has long been omitted from science because of human bias, but it’s time to celebrate the full beauty of nature!


In this workshop, we’ll share our curiosity and knowledge, go on a wander together and explore diversity in sex, reproduction, same-sex sexual and social relationships, and behaviour outside of stereotypical human gender roles and family structures. Julie will provide resources to help support educators in incorporating queer ecology into their teaching practices. We’ll also explore ways to be more inclusive to members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community while leading outdoor learning.