Two bikers riding together wearing pink and purple shirts.

These Queer Bike Clubs Welcome LGBTQ+ Riders On the Road

Posted inAccess & Inclusion
We're turning the spotlight on the growing number of queer bike clubs that are working to make cycling more welcoming and inclusive for queer, non-binary, and femme-identified riders! The new wave of bike clubs celebrate diversity and cultivate supportive environments tailored to the needs of queer, trans, non-binary and femme cyclists. And they are grounded in a supportive and inclusive, all levels welcome framework. Group rides are frequently no dropโ€“โ€“ going at the pace of the slowest rider, with no pressure to speed up. And many offer gear lending libraries and skills workshops to build comfort and confidence among newer riders.
Two women sitting in a green hammock

11 Lesbian Hiking Groups That Promote Inclusion On The Trailย 

Posted inAccess & Inclusion
Ever since my first backpacking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I've loved hiking. But as a queer person, I haven't always feel comfortable to be my full self on the trail. Aside from one unpleasant incident in Shenandoah National Park, other hikers haven't said or done anything to make me feel like I'm unsafe. My worries stem from the lack of diversity in outdoor recreation, a handful…
Woman reading inside a tent

Camping skills helped me survive a 40-hour power outage. Why donโ€™t more women have them?

Posted inAccess & Inclusion
Camping skills are survival skills. While I understood this intellectually, I didn't know it until Winter Storm Landon hit the Hudson Valley and knocked out my power for 40 hours. Our camping equipment and skills helped us make the best of a difficult, potentially dangerous situation. So I got to wondering about the gender gap in outdoor recreation, and how it impacts our comfort and safety when weather emergencies happen.
A black woman relaxing in a field of flowers

These 7 Outdoor Groups Build QTBIPOC Community

Posted inAccess & Inclusion
While the wider queer community is important, BIPOC people sometimes need their own spaces within the rainbow community. The 7 outdoor groups profiled in this post - like Queer Crush, Wild Diversity and DiversifyOutdoors - are doing amazing work in connecting queer people of color to one another and to nature. Click through to the full post for three reasons why this work is so valuable and 7 incredible groups to check out.
A yellow kayak

Queer Adventurers LGBTQ Writing Contest 2023: Firsts

Posted inAccess & Inclusion, People
When we don't see images of queer travelers in a destination, we don't know whether that destination is LGBTQ friendly. When we don't know other queer people who hike, kayak, rock climb, backpack, etc., we sometimes hold ourselves back from taking part in these activities. Or we go on a backpacking trip but leave part of our LGBTQ+ identity behind, because we aren't sure if we can be fully ourselves in a mixed setting. This year's LGBTQ writing contest theme, FIRSTS, is an opportunity to share your own queer travel adventurers with an LGBTQ audience. Your essay just might inspire someone to stretch their comfort zone and try a new activity!
Picture of a tulip field in full bloom with yellow, orange, pink and green blooms. A windmill and small barn with an orange roof are in the background of the photo. Picture is taken in Holland in Spring.

Travel Out and Proud With These 3 Travel Brands

Posted inAccess & Inclusion, LGBTQIA Allies
Are you looking for travel companies that run trips exclusively for gay and lesbian travelers? While there are tour groups like Olivia that cater exclusively to lesbian travelers, mainstream brands are increasingly offering LGBTQ-only trips. From a tour of major US Pride festivals to inclusive Europe, see how tour companies are meeting the needs of queer travelers with itineraries built around destinations with thriving LGBTQ communities.
Runners in a road race

These 200 Inclusive Road Races Allow Nonbinary Runners

Posted inAccess & Inclusion
While nine states passed laws banning trans youth from participating in team sports this year, adult sports are doubling down on LGBTQI inclusion. To date, there are over 200 road races - including some of the most competitive marathons - that allow nonbinary runners. Read on for a list of US and international marathons that accept nonbinary runners to add to your LGBTQ travel plans, plus some context. on why inclusion of nonbinary athletes is so important.
White lesbian couple posing for a travel selfie.

Anti-Trans Laws are a Queer Travel Issue

Posted inAccess & Inclusion, US
Anti-trans and anti-queer legislation is on the rise across the country, and it's leading some queer families to leave homes they love. LGBTQIA folks want to be themselves in the world, and they need to know how much of themselves they can be when they travel. These new laws make LGBTQ+ safety an everyday issue by criminalizing our existences and stripping away choices we make to be ourselves.