
Queer people have always been deeply connected to nature. We deserve to feel close to it and ourselves.
We go walking, hiking and rambling together to be in nature, make new friends and look after our wellbeing. Everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of nature and we’re trying to make sure that queer folk (especially trans folk) know the outdoors is for them through safe and fun community events. We have run over 40 events since our inception in 2020, reaching hundreds of LGBTQIA+ people, and hope to run many more.
F.A.Qs
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Our walks are a space for queer, trans, non-binary, genderqueer, gay, lesbian, bi, asexual, intersex, pansexual and everything in between people. If you’re still figuring it out that’s fine too, in fact, that’s great. We just want to centre our joy and hang out together in the outdoors!
Nobody will ask you how you identify when you come on a walk - but we often ask the group to share names and pronouns so we can make sure we’re adressing people how they like to be addressed.
We may offer some friends and families walks in the future, but unless specified, walks are queer centred spaces.Our walks are TRANS INCLUSIVE.
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Currently most of our walks are in the North of England, from Cheshire to the Peaks to West Yorkshire. But we have also run hikes in Wales, Cornwall, the Lakes, and Morocco!
Walks will usually be accessible from a train station unless otherwise specified. Attendees are responsible for their own travel. -
You can sign up for walks and other events via the events page on our website. Spaces are limited to ensure safety, so book ahead if you’re keen to come!
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Our walks vary in length and difficulty but most should be manageable for somebody who is new to hiking. Make sure you read specific walk descriptions carefully for info about the terrain - to make sure it’s accessible for you and your level of mobility or fitness.
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It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of different layers and a waterproof on a walk. Even in summer, the weather can change quickly in the UK!
If you have walking boots we would always recommend those for ankle support - but sturdy trainers are fine if now.
We ask that folk bring their own snacks and plenty of water as well. -
Nothing (currently) other than a lifelong love of the outdoors!
By attending a group walk you acknowledge that the leader may not necessarily hold any formal qualifications in relation to walking leadership, first aid or medical training - unless we are walking in mountainous terrain, in which case an ML will lead the walk.
Walk organisers and event hosts assume no responsibility for anyone attending any group event. When you join a walk or other event you attend as a guest, you indicate that you accept these conditions and accept that no legal liability is accepted by the group, group organisers, walk organisers or event hosts in the event of accident or injury, however caused.
Participants are responsible for assessing their own suitability to take part in any walk or event, the safety of themselves and their guests and the suitability of any equipment used.
Some things to know before you join a hike:
Inclusivity is key
Our community is wonderful because of its breadth and diversity. By coming on a hike with us you’re committing to embracing everyone’s uniqueness and welcoming everybody. We don’t tolerate any form of discrimination at our events.
You know your limits
By coming on a hike you are choosing to manage your own level of challenge. We ask that you know your limits and please make sure that you are challenging yourself within a safe zone that you’re comfortable with.
We look after our environment
We aim to leave the countryside as we found it or better. We pick up litter, close gates and just generally try to be as nice to nature as it is to us.
We’re always open to learning
Got a great idea for a hike? Found a location you want everybody to see?
Want to suggest some ways we could be more inclusive or make things more enjoyable for y’all? We’d love to hear it!
You’re not alone
Want to come on a walk but don’t have anybody to come with? That’s cool! Loads of us started out coming on our own and we’re always excited when people want to come along solo and make new friends. We’ll be so friendly you won’t know why you were worried! Come as you are, leave feeling a little lighter.
Constitution for Queer Out Here
1. Name
The name of the group is Queer Out Here
2. Aims
The aims of Queer Out Here are:
To bring together LGBTQIA+ people to enjoy the outdoors together and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of group walks
To organise and promote group walks
To organise and promote other social activities for the benefit of the community
To advocate and work for better inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the outdoors
3. Membership
Queer Out Here does not currently have a formal membership structure. You are a ‘member’ of our community if you have been on a walk, have thought about coming on a walk or think of yourself as a member.
4. Equal Opportunities
Queer Out Here respects the equal rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of ability, sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, socio-economic status or any other characteristic.
Queer Out Here will treat all persons equally and without discrimination on the basis of any of these characteristics except as is a necessary consequence of the requirements of hiking in the outdoors as an activity, and except for persons under 18 who may only take part in group activities when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
5. Officers and business
The business of the group will be carried out by a committee made up of the founding member, committee members and volunteers. The business of the group is to deliver services and activities, which benefit the community, and that are considered (by the director and volunteer group) to fit with our community objectives.
Meetings will be held when necessary and in line with business need.
6. Finances
An account will be maintained on behalf of Queer Out Here and will be used for group business only. If the group becomes constituted in some way this account will be updated in line with the group bank account requirements.
Records of income and expenditure are maintained by the founding member.
All money raised by or on behalf of Queer Out Here is only to be used to further the aims of the group, as specified in item 2 of this constitution. This section will be updated if continued funding is secured and further financial structures are required.
Updated August 2023