Queer liberation and the natural world are two themes that aren’t often thought of as related or connected. We’re going to read and respond to some works that explore these themes. You are welcome to come along and listen or to bring an extract of your own to read out.

A short list of questions to spark ideas:

• Is liberation natural/unnatural?
• Is feminism dependent on technological advancement?
• How does climate activism intersect with gender activism?
• Where is nature around you? Where are you touching nature in your life?

Concepts considered in preliminary research include but are not limited to

• Foraging
• Plant blindness
• Commodity fetishism
• Isolationism/connectedness

This event is activated in collaboration with Mas Arte Mas Accion, a Colombian artists collective. Other activations include talks on transecologies, reading circles, chocolate tastings, and a conversation with the Colombian ambassador to the United Kingdom. The final outcome of multiple Around the Tree installations (including this one) will travel to the UN’s COP16 Biodiversity Conference in Colombia (Cali, 2024) and COP30 Climate Change Conference in Brazil, 2025.

Booking
No need to book – entry is free and the event is open to the public.

Venue & Accessibility
This event is held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ. The Royal Botanic Garden website has directions and access information.

Any other questions
Please email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk