History of Queer Land Stewards
Queer people have long impacted and been impacted by cultivating land…
Indigenous Two-Spirit Land Stewards
Two-spirit was a term coined in 1990 at the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference opening a path for Queer Natives to identify with their long standing traditions of queerness and queer acceptance. Historically, Two-Spirit individuals have played vital roles as environmental stewards. They served as knowledge keepers, medicine people, and caregivers, deeply connected to the land and its ecosystems. For example, during his second voyage to Florida in 1562, the French Huguenot René Goulaine de Laudonnière reported how a Timucuan Two-Spirit person provided fresh drinking water, highlighting their role as riverkeepers and water protectors (Two-Spirit People Reclaim Their Place as Water Protectors | New Security Beat).
However, the arrival of European colonizers led to the marginalization and persecution of all indigenous people and the influence of colonial ideals and gender norms sought to eliminate Two-Spirit people, disrupting their traditional roles,severing their connection to the land and their ancient food sources resulting in generations long struggles with food sovereignty ( Why Food Sovereignty Matters). They were often targeted with derogatory labels and subjected to violence, resulting in the loss of cultural knowledge and environmental stewardship practices (For centuries, Two-Spirit people had to carry out Native traditions in secret. Now, they’re ‘making their own history.’ - VCU News - Virginia Commonwealth University).
In recent years, Two-Spirit individuals have been at the forefront of environmental activism, reclaiming their ancestral roles as land and water protectors. They have participated in high-profile land defense battles, including those at Standing Rock and against Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous knowledge in contemporary environmental movements.(Two Spirit People Are Risking Their Lives to Get Indigenous Land Back) By reconnecting with traditional ecological knowledge and practices, Two-Spirit individuals contribute to sustainable land management and environmental justice. Their efforts underscore the importance of honoring Indigenous perspectives in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Queer Cowboys of the American West
Queer cowboys, often overlooked in mainstream narratives, have historically embodied intimate relationships with both the land and each other, offering vital contributions to ecological stewardship. As Hana Miller explores in her analysis, cowboys’ same-sex relationships were not only accepted but also intertwined with the culture’s understanding of masculinity and camaraderie. Queer cowboys have long had a stake in the land, whether as ranchers or as environmental activists. These queer individuals challenge traditional notions of rugged individualism and, instead, create a more inclusive narrative of land stewardship and communal care. For more, read Miller’s analysis (Out West: The Queer Sexuality of the American Cowboy and His Cultural Significance | 2021-2022 | University Writing Program).
Queer cowboys have historically engaged with the land in ways that defy heteronormative expectations, positioning themselves as stewards and protectors of the environment. The concept of "queering the cowboy" challenges the traditionally white, cisgender, and heterosexual image of the American cowboy, exploring how queer identities have shaped the agricultural and cowboy traditions. Queer cowboys, such as those involved in rodeo culture or ranching, have forged intimate connections with the land, emphasizing sustainability and communal land stewardship. Modern artists like Orville Peck and D’orjay the Singing Shaman continue to amplify these queer contributions to cowboy culture, blending environmental advocacy with a challenge to outdated gender norms. These efforts underscore how queer identities can enrich environmentalism and agricultural practices (Queering the Cowboy And Other American Institutions).
Lessons From 1970’s Lesbian Separatists
In the 1970s, lesbian separatists established "womyn's lands" intentional, women-centered farming communities as sanctuaries from patriarchal society. These enclaves provided spaces for women to live autonomously, fostering self-sufficiency and communal bonds.(Womyn's land - Wikipedia). These communities provided opportunities for some to flourish in spaces made their own. However, these communities often lacked inclusivity, predominantly comprising wealthy, white, cisgender women, and frequently excluding bisexual, kinky, and transgender individuals.(Queer Eye for the Sustainable Farm)
Exclusionary practices like this limit the impact and resilience of community movements. Contemporary farming initiatives including Grow Queer Foods are trying to learn from these lessons and embrace diversity and value intersectionality. Modern Queer farmers continue building diverse communities to this day, challenging traditional agricultural norms and supporting sustainable practices(Spotlight on the Queer Farmers Reimagining American Agriculture) .
The history of lesbian farming communities underscores the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in social movements. By acknowledging and addressing the harm of past exclusions, current initiatives can create more resilient and equitable communities that honor the full spectrum of queer identities.