Our Mission

OUT in the Wild strives to provide inclusive and equitable outdoor programming and experiences for the LGBTQIA2S+ community to shift the outdoor industry towards a more diverse, intersectional, and welcoming space for all.

OUT in the Wild is owned by, managed by and employs an all LGBTQIA2S+ and intersectional team.We believe that it is through our intersectionality that we become a stronger community, collective voice and provide visibility that represents all members of the LGBTQIA2S+ Community.

Our business is a mutually beneficial social enterprise, one that provides programming to a marginalized community by members of the same marginalized community. Our programs are meant to uplift and develop queer leaders and guides, while teaching the skills and knowledge to help our community succeed in outdoor spaces.

Meet the Team

Our vision is to make the outdoors feel more accessible, safer, and more accepting for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Historically, the outdoor community has been a space that queer folks don’t feel welcome, safe or represented in. The culture has been one of

hyper masculinity, homophobia, transphobia, heteronormativity - and at times - violence towards our community.

OUT in the Wild exists to change that, to be an alternative and hopefully grow enough that our culture of inclusion and community seeps into the outdoor community at large.

Our programs fall within two main areas of focus:

Building Skills -

Outdoor programs that teach technical skills so that participants feel more comfortable and confident to get outside to do what they love or try new activities.

Building Community

Community based events centered around queerness and the outdoors that create more interpersonal connections, uplift our fellow queer community members and provide a space to feel a sense of belonging and community.

Learn More

OUR VALUES

Inclusion & Intersectionality

It is through our intersectionality that we become a stronger community and collective voice.

Equity

We believe all people deserve access to our programs and work tirelessly to provide equitable access through scholarships, volunteer opportunities, gear lending and our mentee guide program.

Community Over Competition

We believe the liberation of all people rests in the hands of collective activism and community.

Risk Management

The physical and emotional safety of our participants is our highest priority and we are committed to continuing to develop and perfect our risk management practices to meet the needs of our community.

Brave Spaces

We strive to create a container where participants can step into their own bravery and try new things, learn new skills, have the grace to make mistakes and be open to feedback.

Personal Growth

From our outdoor program curriculum to the management of our leadership and guide team, we prioritize the personal growth of each and every person involved with OUT in the Wild.