Pride 2021 spotlight: Venture Out Project
This group is a pioneer in creating LGBTQ+ spaces outside.
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Throughout the month of June, we’re highlighting organizations and initiatives that advocate for greater outdoor access among the LGBTQ+ community. Today’s feature is Venture Out Project, a group that offers experiences for queer outdoor enthusiasts.
No guide to outdoor-oriented LGBTQ+ resources and organizations is complete without the Venture Out Project. Founded by Perry Cohen in 2014, Venture Out is a true pioneer in creating safe spaces for queer folx in the outdoors.
Venture Out has a twofold mission. First, it offers experiences for LGBTQ+ outdoor enthusiasts, ranging from day hikes to wilderness backpacking, whitewater rafting, and service-oriented trips in national parks. Second, it works directly with organizations, businesses, and schools on workshops that build welcoming and identity-affirming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in outdoor settings. Venture Out has led training sessions with industry leaders such as REI, Eddie Bauer, and Marmot.
You can get involved by attending one of their day hikes, signing up for one of their trips, or working with them on leading a workshop at your place of work.
