Nothing inspires me more than Lover Earth. From the microscopic communities working together to turn rock into soil, to the macroscopic hustle and bustle that happens upon it. The wonders of life are so diverse in every way imaginable. How could you not say ’nature’ is Queer?
On 15th April 2023 I was lucky enough to attend Malwen’s first public event. What better way to kick things off with one of Tom’s Queer Ecology walks. Our walk took place at Ty Llywd Fach, acres and acres where Lover Earth shines their radiance and protection on all who witness. A place where beautiful queers congregate to honour the land and their own ways of living.
Here is where Tom stripped back the unjust binary imposed by misinformed scientists centuries ago.
We began the walk with a grounding meditation. Malwen’s Mike helped us to slow our minds and extend our breaths and to ground us in that moment. To feel Lover Earth’s embrace on us and to remind us of the collective magic that is life on Earth. We shared our names and pronouns and then we were off!
We met snails, plants and birds as Tom’s words instilled wonder and opened our eyes to the miniscule beauties beneath our feet.
The idea that sticks with me mostly is that every interaction with nature is an exchange, never a steal. The idea that every organism gives something back in return for their needs. The Moles we encountered, usually seen as vermin by some farmers, are actually little engineers, de-compacting the soil alongside the Horse Tails and Rushes. All working together to reinvigorate the land ready for the next communities of life to thrive.
For me the walk has created a sense of belonging with the land and helps me see my Queerness as an integral part of the ecosystem, I can’t wait to see what else Malwen has to offer! Thank you to the Malwen Team and to the other people who came on the walk for an amazing day,
Alfie
.
