Queer ecology: nature, sexuality, and heterotopic alliances. Matthew Gandy
May 24, 2012 2 Comments
This paper explores the interdisciplinary terrain of ‘queer ecology’ by using the example of an urban cemetery in North London as an empirical and conceptual starting point. Though the term ‘queer ecology’ has cropped up a few times it has yet to be addressed directly in order to consider how the seemingly disparate fields of queer theory and urban ecology might benefit from closer interaction . It will be suggested that the theoretical synthesis represented by queer ecology serves to expand the conceptual and material scope of both fields: queer theory is revealed to have only a partially developed engagement with urban nature whilst critical strands of urban ecology such as urban political ecology have yet to connect in a systematic way with queer theory, posthumanism, or new conceptions of complexity emerging from within the science of ecology itself. It is concluded that queer ecology may enrich our understanding of both urban materiality and the role of metaphors in urban theory. In particular, the idea of queer ecology illuminates the possibility for site-specific ‘heterotopic alliances’ in the contemporary city.
Keywords: Abney Park Cemetery, queer ecology, queer theory, urban ecology, urban political ecology, urban nature, heterotopia, posthumanism
http://www.envplan.com/abstract.cgi?id=d10511f
(requires subscription – though the paper will shortly be part of a virtual theme issue on ‘Queer Space’ edited by Natalie Oswin and will become open access then for a three month period)
I feel the notion of Abney Cemetery as a ‘creation of neglect’ is rather questionable from a conservation volunteer’s point of view. Perhaps Prof. Gandy might like to extend the ecological analysis of queer heterotopic alliances to include the scenes of used condoms and syringes.
I enjoyed the article. I like the idea of heterotopic alliances. Other alliances that come to mind might connect your study of cruising with radical forms of guerrilla gardening and/or the multiple strands of ‘street art’ found in diverse public spaces. Both would have interesting links to Foucault’s original notion of heterotopia.
I think there are problems with relating heterotopias and queer space, if the latter assumes a potential ‘space of liberation’. Heterotopology is a method of describing difference, spaces that interrupt and unsettle; they contrast but can never be ‘free’ from the day-to-day. James Faubion’s essay ‘Heterotopia: an Ecology’ hits the mark here I think. See below
Faubion, J. (2008) ‘Heterotopia: an ecology’ in M. Dehaene and L. De Cauter (eds.), Heterotopia and the City, London and New York: Routledge, 31-40.
You may also be interested in my web site on heterotopia which I have just started and hope to build up over the next few months.
http://www.heterotopiastudies.com/
Peter