At Gossamer Gear, we’re always looking to expand the organizations we follow. From diverse adventurers on Instagram to nonprofits supporting women in the outdoors and more, we love to see the many ways people adventure and be inspired by the work so many are doing to make sure the outdoors is an accessible, inclusive place for all.
This month, we’re highlighting four amazing organizations creating safe spaces and empowerment for outdoor enthusiasts in the LGBTQ+ community. We hope you’ll join us in following along with their adventures—and share some of your favorites with us too!
1. Pride Outside
Pride Outside is an organization based in the Washington, D.C. area that is dedicated to connecting the LGBTQ community around the outdoors. They host hikes, outdoor skills classes, LGBTQ history working tours, discussions, and more. The group’s founder, Hannah Malvin, is also one of the co-founders and organizers of the annual LGBTQ Outdoor Summmit, which returned in April 2022 after a two-year hiatus during the pandemic. Follow the organization for inspiration, support, and details about future summits! You can learn about their upcoming events on their Facebook page.
2. OUT There Adventures
OUT There Adventures has a simple goal: empower queer young people through their connection with the natural world. They accomplish this, in part, by leading outdoor trips for LGBTQ youth, such as rafting and backpacking. Participants leave not only with practiced outdoor skills, but also a greater sense of community and belonging. You can make a donation to support their work and follow along on Instagram. The organization’s founder, Elyse Rylander, is also a co-founder and organizer for the LGBTQ Outdoor Summit.
3. Wild Diversity
Wild Diversity is a nonprofit organization that aims to help create a personal connection to the outdoors for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ2S+ communities through outdoor adventures and education. They do this through outdoor adventures, outdoor education, and community workshops for these groups. They aim to decolonize outdoor spaces and empower the next generation through equitable access to outdoor adventure for youth of color, and queer, trans, and low-income youth. You can make a donation to support their work and follow along on Instagram.
4. Venture Out Project
The Venture Out Project leads backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community, as well as transgender inclusion workshops for educators, adventure professionals, summer camps, and more. There are many ways you can get involved with the project, including volunteer opportunities, becoming an instructor, or making a donation. You can also be inspired by their work by following along on Instagram.
Create Inclusive Spaces for Everyone to Enjoy the Outdoors
We can all benefit from diversifying the content we see related to the outdoors. We encourage you to follow along with the stories and adventures of these organizations and others that serve LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Know another organization that should be on this list? Feel free to share your favorite LGBTQ+ groups to follow with us by tagging Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and using the hashtag #takelessdomore.
