Making Outdoor Spaces More Queer & Inclusive
Why Affinity Trips?
On trails, we liberate our hearts and minds and become part of a tribe of humans who find connection by moving our bodies in wild spaces. Runners come from all backgrounds and many of us are queer! Thus, we create affinity trips for this purpose.
By limiting events to individuals of a specific affinity group, we are opening a space that celebrates the unique culture of these groups and creating space for human connections unique to an exclusive gathering.
3 Days, 31-64 miles
Out Trails Run Retreat
In 2022 we invited 40 runners, all identifying as LGBTQ+, to the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center for 3 nights and 2 full days of running/hiking. From the lodge basecamp we shared meals, stories, music, and laughter. On the trails, we experienced the landscape shaped by one of the most destructive volcanic events in modern history.
After the success of our first affinity trip with Out Trails, we are thrilled to host our second LGBTQ+ retreat for runners in 2023. Daily pace groups and a choice of distances each day make this event open to trail runners of all abilities. Whether it’s moderate days on ridge-lines overlooking the Cascades, or the goal of completing a full Loowit Trail Circumnavigation, this weekend will be a non-competitive and supportive environment to run, play, and experience the trails with a like-oriented community. This Adventure Trip will be hosted by Queer Pro Ultra Runner & Out Trails Founder Ryan Montgomery and Queer Pro Ultra Runner, author and USATF National Champion Addie Bracy – both well-known LGBTQ advocates in the trail running community.
3 Days, 0-20 miles
Trail Mixed Collective Sucia Island Retreat for Women of Color
Aspire is proud to partner with Trail Mixed Collective to increase access to outdoor sports for women of color. Our Sucia Island retreat is open to both those new to trails and running and to those experienced runners who desire to contribute to a vibrant community of women of color on the trails. We are committed to an affirming and inclusive space for all those who identify as women of color.