The climate justice movement is full of so many amazing voices and advocates, but only a few have their voices heard and amplified due to their status as an LGBTQIA+ member of society. However, it is exactly these unique and diverse voices that we need to solve the climate crisis, with their individual experiences and innovative ideas of making the world a better place for all. So, in honour of Pride month we wanted to encourage you to learn from not just these names listed but as many LGBTQIA+ advocates you can find, and tell us in the comments if you know any others that we haven't mentioned!
You can also find some LGBTQIA+ climate groups you can get involved with too, so all can find a comfortable and safe space to do what you're passionate about.
Advocates…
- Pattie gonia (they/she/he)
@pattiegonia
The queen of being green, Pattie Gonia uses their love of the artistry of drag to not only evolve their self-acceptance and queerness in nature, but also to creatively express to the world, the importance of climate justice and caring for the environment around us.
They are continuing the legacy of drags important associations with climate and social justice, that took root in the gay rights movements and has only flourished since.
From dresses made of trash to rock climbing in heels, and now future plans for an awareness project in Alaska, follow them now because you’re not going to want to miss what this icon has in store!
- Michaela loach (she/her/they)
@mikaelaloach
Mikaela Loach has been on the frontline of vital climate crisis work, not just through interviews on major news outlets, but also even taking the UK government to court last year with her amazing Paid to pollute campaign!
However, the most important thing this inspiring 24-year old does, is advocates for taking care of yourself and being soft with yourself, as the world of activism and fighting for a better world is tough on us all, and we face enough adversity without our mental and physical health having to suffer too, advice we should all live by!
However, most importantly, she does important work of promoting BIPOC groups and increasing representation in environmental groups because all people should have an opportunity to take the mic and speak their truth, no matter their background, as all voices are unique and important.
- Queer brown vegan (he/they)
@queerbrownvegan
Did you know that your chapstick is made from fossil fuels? Could you tell someone which plant based milk is the most sustainable based on research? And did you know you can make pesto sauce from upcycled food pulp?!
The climate world and movements are full of jargon and complicated stories and facts backed by science but also lots of definitions and reasons we may not know much about. But Queer brown vegan is here to be your environmental educator to unlearn all that you thought you knew and to relearn what is important.
So if you want to know what ecofacism is and how the prison-industrial complex relates to environmental/climate justice, and so much more, follow this gem!
- Jamie margolin (she/her)
@jamie_s_margolin
Jamie Margolin has been paving the way and creating waves in youth activism movements and fields for years, being not just the founder of the ‘This is Zero Hour’ movement which fights for a safe planet for all, but also the author of the inspiring ‘Youth To Power’. A novel which literally gives power to the young people that need to see they can have a place in the environmental movement.
She tells stories that many young people can relate to, from smog that made her and her friends sick, to her experiences as a queer Columbian living in America and being in climate movements. She has important things to tell us and we should all be listening.
- Pinar sinopoulos-Lloyd (they/them)
@queerquecha
Indigenous knowledge and communities rely so heavily on the resources of nature, and we can learn so much about averting climate change from these communities, who prove that each aspect of nature is contributing to the rich beauty of the planet that we are constantly destroying. This is why indigenous advocacy is so important for where we move forward within the climate crisis, and founder of the Queer Nature movement Pinar Sinopoulos-Lloyd continues to prove this.
Everyone discovers and learns to understand their queerness in different ways, but for Pinar, nature was where they found deep connection with theirself, reminding us of our deep intrinsic connection with nature and how we are at risk of losing this if we continue to do what we do to the planet.
Through the organisation Queer nature, they help people to see that they can find this too, and simultaneously does important work of diversifying environmental and ecological spaces, making them increasingly more accessible to all.
Groups and movements with an LGBTQIA+ focus…
Out for sustainability
Their mission is to provide climate and environmental justice related training, fundraising and community-creation, for LGBTQIA+ people and communities, providing them with a platform and a way to make a difference.
Queers x climate
This organisation is like many climate orgs, supporting climate campaigns to discover collaborative solutions to the climate crisis, but the major difference being that there is an emphasises focus on amplifying the campaigns and voices of LGBTQIA+ voices.
Because research shows vulnerable and marginalised groups and campaigns are the most vulnerable during a crisis, carrying a large load and burden of the outcomes, it is more important than ever that we listen to voices less heard, and this org is important for starting this.
Our climate voices
Does important work to humanise climate justice experiences, and give stories and experiences that improve our understanding of people impacted and the ways we can help.
Queer nature
This US-based project, helps to give LGBTQIA+ communities a safe place to heal our disconnection from nature, and use nature to help increase their understanding of self and their general wellbeing.
Queer ecojustice project
Works to increase knowledge and appreciation of the intersections of climate justice and ecological improvement, with important queer liberation, by creating strategies that work best for LGBTQIA+ communities and creating a range of sources to spread important knowledge.
LGBTIQA+ Greens
As you might have guessed this is a group within the England and Wales Green Party. Looking to combat LGBTQIA+ discrimination through policy and government, this amazing organisation has been doing important work to create not just a more sustainable society but also one that values all of its people. If you are interested in being involved with politics, then this could be the group for you!
post created by Bea Webster to celebrate pride month