AAI is proud to offer a variety of Queer climbing and mountaineering programs, including LGBTQ+ rock climbing clinics, mountaineering courses, and guided summit climbs. LGBTQ+ affinity courses offer a powerful opportunity for people to build mountain skills with other folks in their communities. Our LGBTQ+ trips are led by our highly trained and experienced Queer guides, providing climbers the opportunity to not only learn alongside other Queer people, but to learn directly from Queer instructors and mentors.
Our LGBTQ+ courses lend themselves to a supportive, cooperative learning environment in which everyone is welcome to participate. Like all AAI courses, students develop technical skills that will prepare them for their next objective, whether that’s leading a multi-pitch rock climb, joining a group of friends for a climb of Mt. Rainier, or tackling Denali’s West Buttress. The LGBTQ+ version of these courses covers all the same technical skills and techniques as the standard courses; we go to the same venues, and climb the same peaks. The only difference is that they are for exclusively LGBTQ+ participants and facilitated by LGBTQ+ instructors.
Why Join an LGBTQ+ Affinity Climb?
We all know that climbing and mountaineering can be a cis, male, as well as het, dominant space. Many of our attitudes toward the sport come from the idea of “conquering” the mountain. This program is for Queer Folks who want to develop technical skills in a space that is not only safe but empowering. A space where pronouns are respected, expression is encouraged, and our connection to the mountains and the world around us is based in the Queerness of all space! Join us in our effort to create community in a space which can feel isolating, while also being the truest to ourselves and our identities.
If you have interest in booking a private LGBTQ+ beyond what’s offered here, contact the AAI Office for more information: 360-671-1505. We offer programs throughout the year in six states and several countries.
Inspiring Queer Mountaineers
“Climbing made my body feel like a safer place, and kind of taught me to take care of it.””
– Lor Sabourin (they/them)
Jamie Logan (she/her) is an accomplished alpinist and trans-woman. In the 1970’s she and her longtime climbing partner made the first free ascent of the Diamond of Longs Peak in Colorado and Emperor Face of Mt. Robson in the Canadian Rockies.
(@jamielogan940)
Lor Sabourin (they/them) was the first out non-binary climber to send 5.14a.
(@lor_sabourin)
Samuel Crossley is a queer photographer and filmmaker. He has shot some of the most widespread incredible ascents such as scenes from “Free Solo” and Amity Warme’s climb of “The Book of Hate”.
(@samuelcrossley)
Madeleine Sorkin (she/they) isa professional American rock climber and and the director of the Climbing Grief Fund, an American Alpine Club initiative that focuses on the conversation around grief and trauma in the climbing + outdoors communities, connecting individuals to mental health resources.
@madeleinesorkin
Pattie Gonia (she/her) was created by Wyn Wiley (he/him). Pattie has become swiftly known as the “first backpacking drag queen” and works hard to increase representation and support for queer people in the outdoors as well as use her platform for environmental advocacy.
(@pattiegonia)
Interesting Reads, Resources, and Orgs
We recommend the following books and articles related to Queer Representation in climbing and mountaineering.
- Meet the queer mountaineers conquering summits for LGBTQ+ visibility • GCN
- “Scarier than the Emperor Face”: Jamie Logan, Legendary Alpinist, on Transitioning
- Episode 87: Madaleine Sorkin- Become What You Are. – The Enormocast
- Community Directory — Queer Climber’s Network
- Queer Representation In Climbing
- Between a Rock and a Queer Space — Cipher
- Queer Fear: The Power Of Affinity Spaces In The Climbing Community
- Pride Hasn’t Always Been Easy: How I Learned to Accept Myself As A LGBTQ+ Climber
- They/Them: Creating Affirming Spaces | Eating Recovery Center
- Not So Trad
- Gay Outdoor Club
- Out in the Wild
Mountaineering
