THE QUEERZAMAS: ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE, AND SO ARE WE

by the Queerzamas planning team: Joshua Baker, M. Ciotti, Anna Kolodziejski, and Charlie Owen

Queerness has long existed in the Mazamas, if only at the organization’s margins.

In early 2023, the first openly queer Mazama-wide group dedicated specifically to uplifting and supporting queer, trans, and nonbinary outdoor enthusiasts formed and became the Queerzamas. Our goal was to carve out a space in the organization where LGBTQ2SIA+1 individuals could find community, support, and uplift in the outdoors—because let’s face it, the trail to belonging sometimes needs a bit of re-routing.

The creation of the Queerzamas was driven by those who recognized the value of affinity spaces within outdoor communities, particularly for those whose identities have historically been underrepresented (or even erased) in these settings. Queer-only and queer-focused spaces—whether they be in outdoor education programs, climbs, hikes, or social gatherings—offer visibility, safety, and belonging. While we love a good summit, the Queerzamas is here to show that the most rewarding ascent is creating a community where everyone feels they belong.

Dedicated Queer Affinity Space in Mazama Education Programs Helped Grow the Queerzamas

The Queerzamas’ early success was made possible by queer Mazamas who had long been active in the organization, but its growth is due to the influx of new members thanks to the re-establishment of a dedicated Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) team for queer students in 2022. This BCEP affinity team, made possible through the support of Kirk Newgard and Debbie Dwelle, climb leaders and allies to the queer community, was a response to the clear need for a safe and inclusive space in outdoor education. While there had been a queer BCEP team in the past, initiated in 2019 by Nate Zeiler and Robin Wilcox, COVID-19 interrupted the experiment for a couple of years. The revival of this team in 2022, and its continuation since then, helped create a foundation for the Queerzamas by fostering a community of queer climbers. One common refrain heard from LGBTQ2SIA+ BCEP students and Queerzamas members is how their experience with the Queerzamas and the Queer BCEP team is often the first time they’ve ever been in an affinity space with other members of the queer community in the outdoors. For many, it’s a revelation—a surprisingly rewarding and affirming experience to be in a supportive environment where they don’t fear discrimination and harassment. This sense of safety and acceptance allows participants to focus entirely on the joy of climbing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, free from the burdens of societal judgment or marginalization. As one member described it, "Being in the mountains or at the crag with fellow queer folks is not only empowering but liberating. It’s not just about the physical challenge, but also the emotional freedom to just be— without constantly having to explain who you are.”

Marching With Pride

A campfire gathering during the 2023 Queer BCEP team’s Horsethief weekend at Maryhill Campground sparked the idea for the Queerzamas to march in the Portland Pride Parade. That summer we did! and we were joined by some Mazama allies, including Executive Director Rebekah Phillips and Mazama President Greg Scott. Their support was a testament to the importance of allyship and the visibility it gives our group within the broader Mazama community. Such support also provides additional legitimacy to our presence and sends a clear message: queer climbers belong here, too.

We marched again in Pride this past summer. It isn’t just a parade—it is an experience that helps put the Queerzamas on the map for both the Portland queer community and the Mazamas. We’ve made new connections, and new members have discovered us through our presence. Outdoor recreation groups aren’t often seen marching in Pride, and the Queerzamas stands out as a rare, visible representation of queer adventure in these spaces. By showing up in our harnesses, with ice axes in hand, we’re letting attendees know that queer climbers belong at Smith Rock, on the top of Mt. Hood, and on the trails of the Pacific Northwest. And the Queerzamas is here to build a climbing, mountaineering, and hiking community that welcomes everyone, regardless of identity. The Pride Parade serves as a reminder that we’re out and proud in every space, from the trailhead to the summit.

Thursday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) to outdoor crag climbing meetups at Ozone or Smith Rock and group hikes in the Gorge on Mt. Hood, the Queerzamas aims to provide regular opportunities for queer adventurers to clip into the community. We also organize social events, like casual food cart gatherings, because building connections is essential to our existence.

The Queerzamas has a dedicated monthly newsletter that shares upcoming events, news, and opportunities to get involved and connect with other queer adventurers. If you’re a member of the LGBTQ2SIA+ and want to stay in the loop, you can sign up for the newsletter by emailing us at queerzamas@mazamas.

Beyond the Basics: Supporting Queer Climbing Education and Leadership

The Queerzamas also plays a crucial role in supporting the Queer BCEP team by acting as assistants during sessions, providing mentorship, and helping to create a welcoming learning environment. Additionally, the Queerzamas plans queer-only practice sessions for students interested in applying for Intermediate Climbing School (ICS), ensuring that members can develop their technical abilities in a supportive and affirming setting. These practice sessions not only enhance climbing skills but also foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among applicants and participants.

org. The Queerzamas also stays connected through our online Discord community where members share advice, plan outings, and cheer each other on. Anyone can follow us on Instagram (@queerzamas).

How Active is the Queerzamas and How Can You Connect with Us?

The Queerzamas hosts a variety of events that bring people together both on and off the trail. From monthly climb nights at Portland Rock Gym NE (fourth

Our volunteer planning team meets monthly to dream up new activities and ensure we’re belaying each other through it all. We’re actively seeking new committee members to help us plan events or help out with different roles. Let us know if you want to join the volunteer planning team!

To further foster a more inclusive and equitable climbing community, the Queerzamas is currently developing a guide and training program for mountaineering leaders. This initiative is centered around creating more welcoming spaces for those in the queer community during climbs, hikes, and in the programs they run. By equipping leaders with the tools and knowledge to support LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, the Queerzamas aims to ensure that every outdoor adventure is an inclusive and affirming experience for all participants.

Looking Ahead

While the Queerzamas is new, queer members have always been part of the Mazamas, even if not always openly. Now, with the Queerzamas, we’ve built a space where the full spectrum of queer identities can not only participate but lead the way. The future of outdoor recreation is about more than just reaching summits—it’s about ensuring everyone has the support and space they need to climb their own mountains. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just here to find new summits— we’re here to chalk up a new era of outdoor inclusivity. Adventure is out there, and so are we!