Ever wondered what the green stripe on the Pride flag stands for? If nature came to mind, you’re right. Among the spectrum of colors, green represents the environment and symbolizes an alliance between the LGBTQ+ community and the planet. Queer communities have historically been at the forefront of the climate movement, yet they've frequently been excluded from outdoor access opportunities and policy decisions. Moving the needle forward means including all voices—especially of those most impacted by our changing world.
Meet ten LGBTQ+ environmental partners in the 1% for the Planet network that are advancing justice, outdoor access and a brighter future for the queer community.
Brave Trails
Brave Trails is the world's first summer camp and community space for LGBTQ+ youth, offering programs for kids to access the outdoors in California. The camp fosters inclusion while helping youth find their people, place and passion. Brave Trails’ work extends beyond the camp with mental health services, leadership programs and meet-up groups throughout the year.
Feminist Bird Club
Feminist Bird Club connects with the feminist and anti-racist movements while addressing intersectional struggles. Using their 5 Principles as a framework, folks at the Feminist Bird Club fight for conservation and environmental justice through all their initiatives. The organization hosts events and leads campaigns spanning North America to Europe through their chapters and sister clubs.
Kindling Collective
Kindling Collective is a queer-centered gear library creating an accessible pathway to outdoor experiences in the Wabanaki Confederacy Territory in Maine. They aim to build community and support people in nurturing and sustaining relationships with the natural world and each other.
LGBTQ Outdoors
Empowered by their missions to “Get Out There,” LGBTQ Outdoors works to create safe, inclusive spaces where queer people can explore the outdoors. Their chapters across the United States help queer individuals build connections and experience the mental and physical benefits of time spent outdoors and in nature.
Outdoorist Oath
Outdoorist Oath fosters a commitment to action that supports the planet, inclusion and adventure. Their workshop offers a powerful framework rooted in environmental justice, allyship and outdoor access—inviting participants to explore how individuals show up for people and the planet. In just two hours, what begins as a conversation becomes a lasting commitment through taking the Outdoorist Oath. The session creates space for open dialogue, personal reflection and collective action and is led by a diverse group of facilitators.
OUT for Sustainability
Created by and for LGBTQ+ communities, OUT for Sustainability (OUT4S) promotes climate resilience and environmental justice. OUT4S offers collaborations, workshops, educational resources and training—all focused on the needs of marginalized folks who disproportionately experience climate injustice.
Queer Surf
Queer Surf is building a robust network of queer ocean-loving communities across California and beyond through lessons, camps, ecology events, performance art series and surf exhibitions. They support nonbinary, transgender, BIPOC and low-income folks in gaining the gear, skills and community so they can safely engage with ocean recreation.
Rock Steady Farm
Rock Steady Farm is a queer-owned and operated cooperative vegetable farm in New York, rooted in social justice, food access and farmer training. Their mission works toward ensuring everyone—especially LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities—have the right to high-quality produce. Rock Steady Farm strives to steward their land with regenerative agriculture practices while empowering outdoor access.
Shifting Gears
Shifting Gears is here to disrupt who the outdoors has historically been built for. The organization works to dismantle barriers and create unapologetically welcoming programs where women of all backgrounds—cis, trans and queer—belong and thrive.
The Venture Out Project
The Venture Out Project leads backpacking and wilderness trips for LGBTQ+ people across the United States. With a focus on expanding outdoor access for queer and transgender communities, this environmental partner offers transgender inclusion workshops and identity-specific overnight and day events.
Take Action
LGBTQ+ people have always been here and always will be. Supporting the queer community means showing up in many ways: by listening to their voices, uplifting their stories, contributing to queer-led organizations and learning from their resilient history. Find more LGBTQ+ environmental partners and start your giving journey today.
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