‘Queer Byke Brigade’ Wants to Make the Outdoors More Inclusive

A group calling itself Queer Byke Brigade is creating inclusive outdoor spaces for biking in Montezuma County, Colorado.

The group wants to provide an alternative to urban bars and clubs, which have traditionally served as the center of LGBTQ+ culture. “But finding community in … rural areas, away from many of the LGBTQ+ hubs of urban centers, can be challenging,” writes Ilana Newman in The Daily Yonder. Clara Moulton and Kit Jones, who started the group, say “creating a really inclusive supportive network was a priority.”

Newman explains that queer people in rural places often lack visibility and social connections. “Approximately 3 million LGBTQ+ people live in rural America. While it can sometimes feel unsafe to walk down the street in a rural area as an openly LGBTQ+ person, there are also moments of connection that may not happen in an urban setting.”

Justin Yoder, founder of LGBT Outdoors, says “Another aspect of what we do is let people know there is a healthier option to this. A lot of times those people have never been involved in the outdoors, but they also know the bar scene isn’t a good scene for them, and they’re willing to give the outdoors a shot.”

The groups also want to challenge the assumption that biking is for white, affluent people. “Queer Byke Brigade and LGBT Outdoors both try to offer resources like bikes to borrow and places to find more affordable gear so that getting into the outdoors doesn’t feel so hard.”