Head Outside - Online workshop for LGBTQIA+ Service Providers

Queer Nature Connection are offering a one-off FREE 2 hour version of their ‘Head Outside’ nature connection sessions, and this time it’s for Service Providers working with LGBTQIA+ communities and young people.

Do you work with or offer services to young LGBTQIA+ people?

Are you feeling burnt out from the rollercoaster ride that has been  these last 2 years?

Are you interested in new programs, offerings and for ways to support the young Trans, Gender Diverse and Non binary people, and other LGBTQIA+ people that you already work with?

Queer Nature Connection, a branch of Naarm-based not-for-profit Firekeepers, is reconnecting queer (LGBTQIA+) folks to nature, ancestors, land, each other and the more-than-human world. Reclaiming the gifts of queerness, queer rites of passage, re-skilling and building earth based queer community.

We create safer and inclusive opportunities for LGBTQIA+ folks to access nature connection and to foster or reimagine their own relationship with the natural world, and in the process, with others and themselves.

This session is for you if you or your organisation are looking to:

• Discover new, innovative and holistic offerings, experiences and programs for young LGBTQIA+ people (including specialised programs for transgender, non-binary and gender diverse folks)
• Experience, as a participant, the kind of workshops we offer
• Support staff by engaging in a nourishing and wellbeing-centred event at the end of an epic year
• Connect more with nature yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nature connection?

We don’t just need nature. Humans are nature. But so many of us have forgotten. Modern culture leaves us disconnected and dislocated.

Increasing research demonstrates that nature connection reduces isolation and loneliness, connects people and improves social, emotional and physical wellbeing. Deepening nature connections allows us to feel more active, alive and aware, and to grow an appreciation for local outdoor places. Our workshops take the participants beyond recreation or learning about nature, into the realm of nature connection, which cultivates mental and physical wellbeing through a felt and embodied sense of belonging. Shared experiences are then harnessed to cultivate community connection, and to also build capacity to respond to climate change and climate anxiety, by bringing people back home to nature in meaningful connective ways.

Who runs Queer Nature Connection (QNC)?

QNC, a branch of nature connection organisation Firekeepers, is run by a group of dedicated and experienced mentors. Our Head Outside sessions are run by Mel (they/she) and Ollie (he/him). Mel is the founder and CEO of Firekeepers, and has an extensive history of working with young people in a diverse range of settings, for over 25 years. Mel identifies as non-binary and queer. Ollie is a queer, transmasculine/non-binary secondary school teacher, parent and advocate, with a background in legal education, and has significant experience working with young people with complex needs.

What will the session entail?

The workshop will run from 9:30am - 11:30am (with screen breaks) and will involve a range of elements and activities to support you to take some time to care for yourself and slow down. We promise that you won't be sitting in front of Zoom the whole time!

You will have the chance to participate in:

• a sharing circle
• a wander/explore outdoors with guided prompts
• nature based meditation
• story catching

What kinds of programs/experiences/events/workshops will you be running in 2022?

Queer Nature Connection offers bespoke and tailored programs to queer/LGBTQIA+ people, with specialised offerings for young queer people, and young transgender, non-binary and gender diverse folks. We are available for both online and in person bookings. All of our programs are focused on connecting participants to nature, community and self, and are inclusive and trauma-informed. Programs are co-designed with organisations depending on participant need (for example: wellbeing; team building/bonding; connecting to peers/community; getting out of comfort zone, etc). Programs include a range of nature based practices and activities. Depending on the audience, this includes: nature meditation (sit spot); sharing circle; bird watching; tracking; nature based art practices; story catching; shelter building etc.

I can’t make it to the session, but I’d like to talk further! Who do I contact?

Please reach out directly to us directly via email or by phone (0421 343 073) and we can arrange a time to meet over Zoom. 

You can also join our mailing list and reach out to us via our socials here!