Queer Nature Photography Awards
"Red on Green"
Izaskun Valmaseda
"Red on Green"
General/Universal Concept - "Ladybug as a Metaphor for the Queer Experience":
This image invites us to reflect on the importance of self-acceptance and the ability to transform adversity into strength. The ladybug, perched on the flimsy stem of a flower, symbolizes both fragility and resilience. The stem of the flower, which supports the ladybug, represents the support and determination that the queer community has developed over time.
Local Concept/Spain - "Ladybug as a Resignification of a Term":
In the Spanish context, the term "ladybug" has gone from being a pejorative insult directed at gay men to becoming a symbol of vindication and pride. This process of resignification is a testament to the queer community's ability to take a derogatory term and transform it into an expression of identity and strength. By appropriating this term, the community has not only subverted its negative connotation, but has reclaimed its right to define itself, turning an age-old insult into a powerful statement of self-acceptance and resilience.
About the Photographer
Name: Izaskun Valmaseda
Age: 46
Nationality: Spanish
How does your identity influence your work?
My work explores diversity and fluidity in expression, both in nature and in human portraiture. I'm interested in capturing what makes us unique, from small details in macro photography to “more is more” in portraiture, celebrating variety without labels.
What message do you hope to convey with your work about the intersection of queerness and biodiversity in nature?
My goal is to make visible how nature challenges current human norms about identity and behavior. By capturing these examples of diversity, I seek to raise awareness, showing that the richness of nature can inspire us to be more open and to question societal restrictions that limit authenticity.
What do you think is the importance of highlighting diversity in both nature and society, and how can photography play a role in this?
Diversity must be made visible in order to be recognized and understood. What is not shown does not exist in the collective imagination. Photography has the power to accustom the eye to diversity, offering new perspectives that break stereotypes and invite us to accept plurality.
What is your favorite example of queerness in nature?
Perhaps the behavior of oysters? They can change sex several times during their lifetime. This phenomenon is a clear demonstration that nature defies categories, and teaches us that adaptation and fluidity are intrinsic aspects of life.
A note from the Narwhal Rainbow Alliance
Ladybugs display intriguing queer behaviors, including same-sex mounting and complex courtship displays that can occur between individuals of the same sex. They also engage in sexual mimicry, where one sex may imitate the other, leading to courtship interactions that challenge traditional reproductive roles. In large groups, ladybugs not only foster social connections and engage in cooperative behaviors like resource sharing but also participate in same-sex mating, further highlighting their social complexity and diversity beyond mere reproduction. While some species of Ladybug’s remain common, others are declining, which highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and promote biodiversity. Supporting sustainable agricultural practices and restoring natural habitats are vital to ensure the health and resilience of ladybug populations.
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