Blog: Latino/a/x/e LGBTQIA+ Individuals & the Outdoors - Why We Need It

As Pride Month comes to an end, LGBTQIA+ folks will continue to fight for equal rights and space everywhere long after our celebrations in June. Why should this matter to Latina/o/e/xs, LGBTQIA+ individuals or otherwise?

You might have heard of the term “safe space”, and even if you haven’t, it is pretty intuitive to understand what it means. it has become a phrase of special significance for the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx community equally. Being a part of a safe space means feeling welcomed, accepted, and essential in a place that, never having to doubt or prove your membership to that place. Everyone belongs to spaces they can think of based on such a definition, but for LGBTQIA+ Latino/a/e/xs individuals, authentically safe spaces can still be difficult to find. Where can we find the physical, mental, and emotional safety within communities for Latino/a/e/xs who are queer?

The outdoors should without a doubt be one of those safe spaces, and it is certainly becoming that for those of us who identify as queer Latino/a/e/xs. Although we are not widely represented in outdoor activities or advertising, that is not to say that we do not belong to the outdoor community. Nature does not care who you love, where you are from, nor what you look like. It cares about our committed appreciation, joy, and preservation, and that is what LGBTQIA+ Latino/a/e/xs care about too.

As Latino/a/e/xs, we feel that appreciation for the land very deeply and profoundly =. Many studies have proven how being outdoors and recreating with nature in any way reduces fear, anxiety, stress, and anger. Everyone has a right to this form of freedom, and as a continually marginalized identity in the US, LGBTQIA+ Latino/a/e/xs need it to a crucial extent. We can find healing in living our authentic, freedom filled lives outdoors in community with one another.

The outdoors as a safe space is about self-acceptance, invaluable connections, and ultimately healing from the status quo of oppression that historically has deprived us of our connection with nature. We ALL belong in the outdoors and play a role in preservation and celebration. Happy Pride Month to everyone in our special and resilient community! ¡Feliz Mes del Orgullo a todos en nuestra comunidad especial y resiliente!