Queer Ecology Hikes
Zwena Gray
Peterborough, Ottawa, & Toronto
Zwena’s project helped people see the inherent queerness of the land around us. This past year, they grew their team and engaged volunteers to provide skill-building and knowledge-building workshops to their community.
A Year of Cultivating Relationships with People and Land
Zwena Gray is a storyteller, adventurer, and community cultivator with a deep love for nature and connection. Raised between diverse landscapes and cultures, they draw inspiration from both their roots and their travels to blend these experiences into a life centred around community, curiosity, and reflection. Their passion lies in creating spaces – whether those be shared outdoor adventures, meaningful conversations, or moments of quiet in nature – where people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Zwena’s passion lies in creating spaces – whether those be shared outdoor adventures, meaningful conversations, or moments of quiet in nature – where people feel seen, valued, and connected.
The project, Queer Ecology Hikes, is a way to see the inherent queerness of the land around us. As a mix between Queer Theory and Ecology, the project leans heavily into non-normative ways of thinking. What makes Queer Theory special is its adaptability to current events and its ability to shift over time to reflect the fluidity that is ever-present in our world. Queerness is not only a way to identify but also a tool for building community and breaking down systems of oppression. In this way, queer acts as a catalyst for action. Zwena Gray likes to think about Queer Ecology as the art of noticing, asking questions, and understanding all our relations, including those we have with the land.
Zwena wanted to implement this project in their community because power comes from seeing ourselves reflected in the world and from what we choose to reflect in it. Here are a few pieces of feedback from the hikes over the years:
- ‘It was reflective without pressure of having to share in a group setting, but you could pair up with anyone and share as you walked to the next activity/talking spot.’
- ‘I’m so glad I joined, I felt like the kids in Narnia, except instead of getting manipulated by the ice queen, I got educated by drag queens.’
- ‘The questions were great and made it easier to talk to everyone, but I think considering a group activity or game like the snowball fight alleviates pressure on talking and is fun and bonding.’
Zwena learned that their community is interested in skill- and knowledge-building workshops where they can learn new things without the pressure to engage all the time. It is crucial to bring in a variety of perspectives and to offer opportunities where people can remain in the role of learners.
Some challenges Zwena faced while implementing their project were in finding ways to build capacity. Throughout the year, they were inspired to grow their team and engage volunteers, and to consider what the project will be in the future. Zwena overcame these challenges by asking questions, resting, and reading new literature to expand their perspective. They also formed new partnerships during this project, allowing them to reconnect with the artist community and recognize that the project itself is very much art.
Chris McCandless once wrote, “Happiness is only real when shared.” Sharing shocks our consciousness; it reminds us of our humanity, of what it is to be alive, and that we are not alone. Zwena’s community impacted them, which allows them to exist and share in a way that is aligned with their purpose.
Zwena is very grateful for the people they met through the Ontario Community Changemakers program and for the connections that nourished them and their project. They were able to support those around them and give guidance to people in their areas of expertise. The program fed their curiosity and excited them about everything happening in Ontario. It was comforting to know that people want to change, and that because of that desire, things will change.
What comes next for Zwena is continuing to learn and expand their project to new places. They want to be more consistent in their online presence, share more of who they are with their growing online community, and become unafraid to teach what they know. They would like to form more partnerships and travel to new places – when you see, you learn, and when you learn, you grow.
About Zwena Gray
Zwena Gray is a storyteller, adventurer, and community cultivator with a deep love for nature and connection. Whether organizing Queer Ecology Hikes or exploring new trails, they find joy in discovering the interconnectedness of people, land, and stories. Raised between diverse landscapes and cultures, they draw inspiration from both their roots and their travels, blending these experiences into a life centered around community, curiosity, and reflection. Their passion lies in creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and connected—whether through shared outdoor adventures, meaningful conversations, or moments of quiet in nature.
Facebook: Zwena Gray
Instagram: @just.zee and @queer.ecology
Twitter: @just.zee
LinkedIn: Zwena Gray
#queerecology #nature #weoutside