Singh U., Anand A. Nature’s Queer Nexus, Reclaiming Spaces and Identities

Authors: Udisha Singh, Anurag Anand

Abstract

The discourse on the relationship between humans and nature has been under alteration since its inception. This relationship is usually seen in the form of binaries. The existence of queer flora and fauna has never managed to come to the centre and has always been subjected to the periphery. Hence, a need to “queer” this relationship is required to challenge the dominant discourse of sexuality and na-ture, to reject the anthropocentric ideas of nature and to acknowledge its complexities. This paper uses the concept of “queer ecology” to question the idea of nature or wilderness as culturally constructed by situating queer desires within natural spaces. It refers to the works of the queer American writers to highlight how certain spaces that are designated as “nature” are violently defended against queers in a society in which that very nature is exploited. It finally highlights the close association of the queer community with nature and works on the conservatory practices to not just protect nature but also the queer community by critiquing the heteronorma-tive tendencies that observe homosexuality as a “crime against nature”.

Keywords: Nature, Heteronormativity, Queer, Homoeroticism, Ecology

DOI: 10.13131/unipi/drwp-n914

Notes on contributors

UDISHA SING is a postgraduate master student of English literature at the University of Delhi. She has a knack for cultural studies and psychoanalysis.
Email: udishasingh262000@gmail.com
ANURAG ANAND is a postgraduate student of English Literature at the University of Delhi. His area of interest revolves around diaspora and cinema studies.