For queer and trans folks, nature is a
safe haven for authenticity and growth.
In 2014, Perry Cohen, founder of The Venture Out Project (TVOP), found himself in a period of reflection and change around his gender identity. To move through this season in his life, he spent a lot of time outdoors — specifically hiking. It’s here that he began to feel more connected to and empowered in his body, finding new ways to appreciate all that it did for him.
“I remember being on the top of Mount Monadnock and thinking it’s this body that got me here. It feels amazing to stand on top of this mountain, see this view, feel this burn and pride – wouldn’t it be great if other queer and trans people could have this experience?” Perry said.
This moment set everything in motion. He climbed down from the summit, quit his corporate job, and set out to find a position working with queer and trans people. Met with a lack of options, Perry decided to forge his own path: leverage his grant-making skills to create TVOP, a nonprofit with the simple idea of bringing queer and trans folks outside.
Nature as a safe space
It’s no coincidence that nature and queerness intersect so seamlessly. The outdoors have no gendered spaces, mirrors, or segregated bathrooms — “just facilitrees,” as TVOP calls them. More importantly, uniqueness is celebrated. Whether it’s the bird with one brown and one blue eye or the tree with the gnarly trunk, everything and everyone is welcome.
“In nature, we come to see what is different as what is beautiful, and we do this all without judgment but with admiration. As queer people it’s so powerful to be in a space where different is beautiful.”
Perry Cohen
Founder of The Venture Out Project
TVOP trips are open to folks from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, interests, abilities, ages, identities, and more. The community-building that is central to the organization is rooted in people from many walks of life coming together, sharing experiences, and learning from each other. At the end, they walk away feeling respected, valued, and loved.
There’s no better example of this than Perry’s most memorable moment with TVOP: on one of the organization’s transmasculine trips, one of the members shared that he was only out to two people in the world. He was ashamed of his transness, thinking it would mean getting turned away from jobs or never having a family of his own.
His fellow hikers changed everything for him, just by existing as themselves.
“On this trip, I’ve seen 9 other trans guys living openly trans lives. They all do it differently but they all do it beautifully and proudly. I’m not going to be afraid anymore.”
Participant
TVOP transmasculine trip
In the same breath, this participant decided he would have a coming out party — and he did just that. When Perry called to ask how it went, there was a smile in his voice as he shared how his friends embraced him, and how much lighter he felt now. Anything felt possible.
From trail skills to life skills
Since its inception, TVOP has been leading wilderness and backpacking trips for the queer and transgender community. In recent years, the organization has also expanded to host skill-building and leadership programs for the LGBTQ+ community.
Their goal is to help queer folks step into their power by providing opportunities to lead, learn, fail, and grow from any setbacks. Not only is TVOP teaching hard skills that are valuable in the wilderness, but they’re also instilling confidence that carries over into day-to-day life.
“The wilderness and mother nature are some of our very best teachers. They provide us opportunities to face our fears and The Venture Out Project enables us to do that in community.”
Perry Cohen
Founder of The Venture Out Project
And the work doesn’t stop there — TVOP has its sights set on long-term growth. In 10 years, they aim to have a TVOP adventure within a half day’s drive of every person in the U.S. To achieve that, they plan on expanding their volunteer pool, hiring and training more instructors, and creating more opportunities for participation.
The TVOP team will also keep facilitating workshops and furthering education that helps outdoor organizations be more inclusive of queer employees, students, and customers.
How to get involved
If you’re looking to support The Venture Out Project’s mission of providing outdoor experiences to queer and trans folks, there are plenty of ways to get involved. For hands-on involvement, join a trip near you or sign up to volunteer. Don’t have a trip nearby? Share the word on social media, by word of mouth, or donate on their website.
Join us in supporting TVOP
Donate today to help further their mission of empowering queer and trans folks in the outdoors.
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