It is important that every voice is heard and no one feels excluded from being able to enjoy nature and the many benefits it brings. The LGBTQIA+ community is as diverse and essential for our society as nature itself and we want to acknowledge, support and celebrate the incredible contribution of our LGBTQIA+ staff, volunteers, supporters, visitors and allies who help nature thrive.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Tuesday 22 July: LGBTQIA+ Leaders in Environmental Science and Stem: A Panel
Venue: Norwich Arts Centre
Time/cost: 7.30pm, £13, £8 (students and under 25’s)
This friendly, accessible panel of LGBTQIA+ people in nature, the environment and STEM is hosted by Norfolk Wildlife Trust and brings together Dr Ellie Leech of the British Trust for Ornithology, Dr Sam Rowe and Gab Astorga of the Quadram Institute, and Ella Warren-Cooke and Nick Acheson (chair) of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Contributors will discuss their experience as professionals in the field, what challenges they still experience, and the encouragement they can offer to young LGBTQIA+ people hoping to enter nature and STEM as a career.
Dr Sam Rowe said:
The event should be a great way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in nature conservation and STEM. I'm really pleased to see Norfolk Wildlife Trust supporting this around the city-wide Norwich Pride celebrations at the end of July.
I think events like this are important because we can openly address the challenges faced by marginalised groups working in these areas. The panel will be a great chance to highlight a range of careers in the sector, personal journeys being part of the LGBTQ+ community, and also how diverse groups working together will ultimately lead to better research outcomes.
Dr Ellie Leech said:
I've been mingling with Norfolk's naturalists and conservationists since childhood, so I have absolutely no qualms about being out and proud. I'm very aware, however, that while the sector is generally liberal and accepting, LGBTQIA+ representation is still pretty limited, which can make those who lack my privilege anxious about engaging, particularly in the current, challenging climate. Their exclusion would be a huge loss to people and wildlife alike, so I'm very grateful to NWT for this fantastic opportunity to help make my community feel more comfortable in this space: I know from my own journey just how important it can be to hear about the experiences of others.
Nick Acheson said:
It is increasingly clear that everyone's talents, enthusiasm and perspectives are needed in nature conservation and the restoration of our beleaguered environment. Never has it been more important to make our sector a place where everyone is welcome and every voice is heeded. Nature needs us, just as we have always needed nature.
Ella Warren-Cooke said:
Although there are sometimes obstacles, there are also many amazing opportunities and experiences that being authentically yourself in this industry brings. Nature is inherently queer! People are just as diverse and wonderful as the natural world around us, so I'm really excited to be celebrating that.
