Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Outdoor Organizations: Embracing Love, Inclusion, and Adventure
This Pride month, join AETHER as we celebrate and raise awareness of these LGBTQIA+ organizations. They have significantly and positively impacted the outdoor community, and we couldn't be more inspired by their work!
These nature and adventure lifestyle groups are helping our LGBTQIA+ communities feel supported and reminding us that nature is a space for everyone. Their commitment to inclusivity knows no bounds, and they've become a lifeline for many, a way to help youth find their tribe and people from all walks of life pursue their passion for being outside.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all these fantastic leaders. They are making a real difference; we're proud to stand with them.
The Oath team: Gabaccia Moreno, José González, Teresa Baker, Pattie Gonia
The Oath
In 2022 seasoned activists Teresa Baker and José Gonzalez, along with drag artist, Pattie Gonia, founded The Oath. Their unique work shines a light on various paths any mother nature enthusiast can take to consider the intersectionality of caring for our environment, naturalist experiences, and community.
They offer free two-hour workshops that help members identify how they can work together to remove barriers, address the need for acceptance, and be empowered allies for the three pillars of The Oath; Planet, Adventure, and Inclusion.
The Oath arms its members with new collaborative communities to continue education, organize events and advocate for the environment alongside those championing rights for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented groups in the outdoors.
Instagram @outdooristoath
Ten Oaks summer camp. Photo by Ellamarie Quimby
Ten Oaks Project
Based out of Ottowa, Canada, the Ten Oaks Project firmly believes everyone can find empowerment through playing in nature. Their group engages and connects children and youth through programs and activities with a classic summer camp vibe, like overnight camping, cookouts, hiking, nature exploration, and environmental programming. There is also an emphasis on the arts, with opportunities to explore acting, dance, and jewelry making. With its focus on having fun, Ten Oaks Project has prioritized 2SLGBTQ youth's self-worth by helping build their confidence and forging new bonds.
Instagram @tenoaksproject
Pride Rides are open to all people, all bikes, and all riding skill levels.
Pride Rides
In 2018, motorcycle enthusiasts Cormac Kehoe, Ed Zamora, and others recognized a need for an open, inclusive, and safe space for LGTBQIA+ peers who just wanted to ride. Together they formed Pride Rides Wisconsin, a non-profit and educational group with fun routes and great people that welcomes anyone wishing to join. PRW proudly uses its rides to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes within the LGTBQIA+ world.
Instagram @priderideswi
Queer Climb Campout 2023 at The Feathers in central Washington
Queer Mountaineers
Based in Seattle, WA, the group Queer Mountaineers is changing the face of climbing one peak at a time. Co-founders Jude Glenn and Sarina Pizzala understand that the needs in the mountain-climbing LGBTQIA+ sphere are ever-shifting, and they are here to bridge those gaps. Today, they have three goals — providing communal support, access to gear and affordable classes, and training for future leaders — that work toward their primary objective of diversifying the outdoor industry.
Queer Mountaineers hosts multiple monthly events in the PNW, from indoor bouldering to organized hikes, multi-day expeditions, social events at local beer gardens, and more.
Instagram @queer.mountaineers
AETHER encourages you to support these groups by donating directly on their websites, getting involved in their volunteer opportunities, or finding your local LGBTQIA+ groups and asking how you can help.
If you or anyone you know needs support, don't hesitate to contact The Trevor Project and connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential and 100% free. Get started by texting 'START' to 678-678
