“Me imperturbe, standing at ease in nature.” – Walt Whitman
With the new year upon us, many people have resolved to get out and be with nature in 2024. While hiking, skiing and camping are fine solitary activities, there’s something to be said about finding your community in the great outdoors. These 10 outdoorsy LGBTQ+ groups offer opportunities to explore nature while making new friends and connections in a welcoming and LGBTQ+-centric environment.
The tagline for this LGBTQ+ nonprofit is “get out there” and that’s exactly what members of LGBT Outdoors are doing around the country. Founded by nature enthusiast Justin Yoder, the organization works to connect the LGBTQ+ community with the outdoors and each other. There are chapters in eight states and ambassadors who work in other states to represent the group and plan events like snowshoeing, hiking and eagle watching. The events culminate in the annual LGBT Outdoorfest at Colorado State University’s Mountain campus in September.
The Pacific Northwest-based nonprofit Wild Diversity works to “create a personal connection to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, all People of Color (BIPOC) & the LGBTQ2S+ communities, through outdoor adventures and education.” With a robust team of organizers and adventure guides, Wild Diversity plans excursions like river rafting, wild mushroom foraging and even workshops about storytelling. The organization also provides events for LGBTQ+ BIPOC youth, including a summer camp and swimming lessons.
In the Greater Puget Sound Area, Out Ventures specializes in day hikes for the LGBTQ+ community but also hosts group camping events, backpacking, and even potlucks for members to get to know each other. Out Ventures celebrates its 30th anniversary this year after being founded in 1994 by Ed Ferguson, who, upon moving to Seattle, yearned to find an outdoor LGBTQ+ community like the ones he had in the South and East Coast.
For those looking to build leadership skills and connect with nature, the Venture Out Project has you covered. For LGBTQ+ youth and adults, this organization has a strong background in social justice and diversity and inclusion efforts, in addition to events like Queer Family Rafting, Queer Introduction to Tree Identification and Queer Overnight Adventures. It’s All of the Above Trail Fest event welcomes participants to race the trails without the stress of gendered categories or athletic level. While headquartered in New England, volunteers organize events in at least 13 states, including Minnesota, California and Michigan.
This inclusive hiking group describes itself as a “diverse, anti-racist, body-liberating outdoor community featuring the underrepresented outdoorsperson” focusing on intersectionality through hiking. Started by Jenny Bruso, the hiking group takes it slow with the motto “no hiker left behind.” The group also prioritizes QTBIPOC, fat and plus size and disabled hikers for its group hikes.
This youth-focused organization puts family first. Based out of Los Angeles, Brave Trails hosts annual summer camp sessions for LGBTQ+ teens, ages 12-17, in California and New York. There are also backpacking trips for LGBTQ+ teens, family camp experiences, mental health support programs for youth and caregivers and meetups. A key goal of Brave Trails is to help develop leadership skills in LGBTQ+ youth through outdoor activities.
Originally started in San Francisco in 1974, Front Runners now has over 100 chapters worldwide. The walking and running club hosts athletic events for all levels and social events like pool parties, themed runs, walks with doughnuts and coffee and even overnight camping trips. Whether you want to run for the first time or prepare for a big marathon or race, Front Runners has something for all LGBTQ+ walkers and runners.
This Los Angeles-based club hits the slopes at ski destinations nationwide and in Canada. LGBTQ+ skiers and snowboarders can become members and join the club on trips to powdery destinations like Sun Valley, Idaho, Aspen, Colorado and Mammoth Mountain in California.
The East Coast has an abundance of stunning wildlife and NYC Queer Birders connects LGBTQ+ bird lovers. The group meets for monthly events in New York City, Brooklyn and Queens. Whether you are a novice birder or an eagle-eyed expert, NYC Queer Birders welcomes all LGBTQ+ birders.
“Fun, Fitness and Friendship for all” is the motto of the New York-based LGBTQ+ cycling nonprofit Out Cycling. Rides take place April through October and offer different levels, from casual cyclists to experienced riders. There are even cycling trips to places like Normandy, France and the Hamptons, New York.
Are you a member of an LGBTQ+ outdoor group we should know about? Let us know at newsisout@localmedia.org.