queer of the forest
let’s get weird in the woods
Balance in Nature
October 18th
10am - 11:30am
Local St. Paul Park - details given upon registration
$22 - sliding scale
Fall balances day with night, light with shadow, growth with decay. Perhaps you’re noticing things being in or out of balance in your own life as we transition seasons. What does nature have to teach us about balance?
Spend a slow fall morning with other queer folks in the woods. We’ll wander, notice, play, reflect, and connect. Several things to expect from Queer of the Forest events are wisdom from the land, goofing off with other queer folks, and feeling a bit more grounded when you leave.
Take some time to play in the woods. Slow down. Notice things. Talk to the trees and goof off with the animals. Let yourself wander. Be your full queer self.
meet your forest queerleader
Let’s get weird in the woods!
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My name is Madelyn Steen and I’m a queer trauma ecotherapist by day and I also have my retreat business, softwildjoy, which I’m extremely passionate about. I created softwildjoy because I found I felt better not only in therapy, but also outside its walls, in connection with the natural world and in community with others. I truly found my joy for life when I was hiking in the woods with friends and finding queer community. I went on to get training from The Earthbody Institute in ecotherapy, and I can’t wait to share nature-based skills in community with you!
“I would strongly recommend Queer of the Forest. You walk away with new skills, insights and feeling good.” -Jessie
What to Expect
Queer of the Forest gatherings take place in parks around the Twin Cities once a month for anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. These outdoor experiences are a chance for queer folks to slow down in nature using reflection, movement, and connection.
We’re always in a reciprocal relationship with the land. Queer of the Forest has a different theme each month like joy, rest, wonder to connect deeper to the natural world. You don’t need any nature experience to join. Just bring clothes for the weather and an open-mind.
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A day or two before the event, I will email you with a pinned location, map, and brief description of our meeting point.
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I will email you to cancel Queer of the Forest if the weather is not safe (e.g., extreme low temps, lightning). However, the natural world provides so many lessons, even during different seasons and weather. I plan to be there in rain or shine, and we can weather it together.
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Each month is different, so details will be emailed out to you beforehand. Sometimes Queer of the Forest may involve sitting peacefully by the river, other times it may involve walking along a path, other times it may involve a more rigorous hike. I encourage you to bring:
● Walking shoes
● Weather appropriate activewear
● Water and/or trail snacks
● Any medications you may need - if you have allergies, take your medications beforehand
● Sunscreen and/or bugspray
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Each month follows a different theme such as “Joy in Nature” or “Guidance in Nature”, so activities vary from month to month. You can count on slow movement through the park with self-reflection, creativity, connection, and probably talking to some trees. It’s an intentional pause for our nervous systems to let nature support us wherever we are.
In warmer months (April - October) you are invited to stay after for a quick park clean-up as a way of showing gratitude to the space. I will have gloves and garbage bags available. -
These events are intentionally queer-centered spaces to promote queer joy, queer connection, and queer resilience. If you’re questioning your identity, you are welcome to join!
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It depends on the event, and details will be listed in the description.
We always move slowly, but sometimes the gathering takes place off-trail on uneven ground with small hills and natural obstacles. While we take breaks, it does involve sustained time on your feet. You’re welcome to move at your own pace or step away as needed.
land acknowledgment
We are on the unceded land of the Dakota (Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and Wahpekute Nations) and Anishinaabe people, whose ancestral land was stolen from them. They have cared for these lands and continue to do so today.
Queer of the Forest strongly encourages participants to learn about the history of the land, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and understand that connection to the land must be respectful of Indigenous rights and amplify their voices.
We will take only lessons and leave only footprints.
10% of proceeds from Queer of the Forest events goes to Native Governance Center.
All BIPOC participants are invited to attend free, as a way to honor those most impacted by colonial harm.
Resources:
To learn more about the history of Native people and their land, Jim Bear Jacobs hosts a powerful storytelling tour: Sacred Sites Tour.
Searchable maps to identify what Native land you are on: Native Land Digital.
*This is not therapy. Simply a chance to connect & practice skills in nature.