2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Outdoors
Resources included here are for educational purposes only and do not indicate affiliation or partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission.
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Washington's natural beauty is for everyone.
Did you know? The green stripe on the pride flag represents nature.
Washington state is one of the most beautiful states in the country, known for extensive outdoor recreation opportunities for anyone wanting to enjoy nature. Having access to the outdoors supports physical and mental health, and we know that part of those benefits come from having safe and inclusive public lands.
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission works with state agencies to ensure that their programs and policies are accessible and inclusive for everyone. We would like to especially highlight the Everyone Outdoors Program, a joint program between the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Natural Resources, that aims to reduce barriers to outdoor access by providing applicants with the opportunity to receive free annual Discover Passes.
Interested in learning more information about 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports across Washington? Head to our Rainbow Resource Hub page dedicated to sports at lgbtq.wa.gov/sports.
Digital guides and tools that support 2SLGBTQIA+ outdoor recreation
- Learn about Washington Trail Association's Trails for Everyone work.
How Nature Nurtures LGBTQ Mental Health
- Guide from Folx Health around the benefits of nature for LGBTQ mental health and tips on how to get outdoors.
Essential Tips for LGBTQ Travelers in the Great Outdoors
- Article from Afar Media featuring LGBTQ voices and tips on how to be safe and have fun in the outdoors.
Studies, Reports, and Data around 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and access to the outdoors
Queering Environmental Justice: Unequal Environmental Health Burden on the LGBTQ+ Community
- Published in the American Journal of Public Health, this paper from Yale School of the Environment explores how the LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately affected by climate and environmental concerns.
Pride Outside: LGBTQ+ Individuals are the Most Active Adult Cohort in Outdoor Recreation
- According to the 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report from the Outdoor Industry Association, LGBTQ+ individuals recreate outside at a higher rate than any other adult cohort.
Queering adventure: building communities outdoors to combat social and environmental injustice
- Study published in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning looking at how nature can help build intersectional communities, especially for LGBTQIA+ people.
Articles, FAQ sheets and more around 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the outdoors.
Proud to Help Foster an Inclusive Hiking Community - WTA
- Article from the Washington Trails Association around the importance of LGBTQ inclusivity in hiking.
How Environmental and Climate Injustice Affects the LGBTQI+ Community
- Article from the Center for American Progress on climate impacts to the LGBTQI+ community.
Exploring the Intersectionality Between Environmental Justice and Pride Month
- Article from the National Enviromental Education Foundation on the intersectional impacts of climate change on the LGBTQ community.
Podcasts about 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the outdoors.
- Podcast from LGBTQ Outdoors that features LGBTQIA+ hikers, climbers, campers, conservationists, and more.
Videos, movies, and documentaries around outdoor accessibility and inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that some might not be free resources and might require a subscription service to view.
- Check out this video from the City of Bellingham that highlights the Out and About program.
Queer Mountaineers Creating an Inclusive Outdoors
- Feature on the local organization, Queer Mountaineers, from FOX 13 Seattle.
National organizations focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the outdoors.
- National organization focused on advocating for queer inclusion in the outdoors.
- Outdoor adventuring trips for the queer and trans community, as well as educational workshop opportunities for educators, adventure professionals and more.
- National nonprofit for youth leadership in the outdoors through summer camps and other adventure programs.
- Coalition of organizations and allies that support and promote diversity in the outdoors.
Organizations and teams across Washington state focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the outdoors.
LGBTQ+ Outdoors - Washington chapter
- Check out the local chapter of LGBTQ Outdoors through their Facebook page here.
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LGBTQ community organization focused on the outdoors, based in Seattle with membership throughout the Pacific Northwest.
- Volunteer led organization that hosts adventures throughout the PNW. Hosts monthly Queer Climb Nights in partnership with local climbing gyms.
- An affinity program through Wild Whatcom, this group meets once a month for inclusive outings and adventures.
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LGBTQ+/BIPOC hikers and trail runners.
Resources across Washington state agencies around 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the outdoors.
- The Everyone Outdoors Program aims to reduce barriers to outdoor access by providing applicants with the opportunity to receive free annual Discover Passes. This program is available to Washington-based Community and volunteer groups, youth and outdoor recreational programs, nonprofit, veteran and other organizations facing barriers to outdoor access.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
- The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division
- This division works to make State parks accessible and inclusive to all Washingtonians.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
- DNR manages 5.6 million acres of state trust lands for the people of Washington.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- WDFW manages wildlife and water access areas throughout Washington state, as well as hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities in the outdoors.
Washington State Department of Ecology
- The Department of Ecology protects, preserves, and enhances Washington's environment for current and future generations.
Washington State Department of Ecology Office of Equity and Environmental Justice
- This office in the Department of Ecology is working to assure no community in Washington is overburden by environmental pollution.
Under RCW 43.114.050, the duties of the LGBTQ Commission include providing a clearinghouse for information regarding both state and federal legislation as it relates to our purpose and providing resource and referral information to agencies and the public. While the LGBTQ Commission does not provide direct services, we work to connect constituents with affirming supports across the state through our collaboration with state agencies and community organizations. If you can't find what you are looking for here, reach out to contact@lgbtq.wa.gov or use our contact form and a Commission staff member will get back to you.