Celebrate Pride
PRIDE 2023
Through conversations inspired and led by LGBTQ+ identifying staff and in collaboration with Queer Mountaineers and PFlag Bellevue Eastside, members of our staff-led DEI Advisory Committee have been working on ways to show support and create new connections with several events planned in June (National Pride Month) as well as July (Tacoma only).
Click the button for a full list of activities at each facility!
Pride events will appear in the green boxes or use the category option to sort by ‘Pride Month Events’.
COMMUNITY.
Together with professionalism, integrity and adventure, community is one of our core values. To us, it means “a welcoming group of climbing enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and friends connecting through our shared interests in climbing, fitness, and fun”.
Each Pride Month we take the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve done and still need to do for LGBTQ+ folks in our communities.
Why do we celebrate Pride Month?
We recognize that diversity fuels the spirit of our staff and community. Our commitment to equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience builds a culture where difference is valued, innovation thrives and adventure is accessible to all.
What are we doing to support the LGBTQ+ community?
We are proud to be creating brave + inclusive spaces where all climbers of any gender, identity or sexual orientation feel accepted; where you can challenge yourself, build your skills and know that this is a place where you belong.
What steps are we taking to accomplish this?
- Listening + responding to the needs of our staff, members + community
- Maintaining hiring practices to recruit + retain a diverse staff team
- Advancing a staff-led diversity, equity + inclusion committee
- Hiring experts to help identify + navigate our strengths/opportunities through discussion and trainings
- Building action steps to hold ourselves accountable to changes we want to see
What does this look like to our community:
- Monthly Queer Climb Nights at all locations; hosted by Queer Mountaineers
- Progress Pride flags in all facilities (year-round)
- Period products in all bathrooms (year-round)
- Pronouns on staff nametags
- Access to gender affirming bathrooms in all facilities; with improvements to the Bellevue gym scheduled with facility updates and expansion
- Gender inclusive categories for competitions
- Celebrate Pride events + activities hosted at all locations during the month of June; and July in Tacoma
- Redefining who a “climber” is, can and should be by building a better, more inclusive community for all
We’re listening.
Click here to offer your thoughts, suggestions and feedback.
In 2022, we made cash donations to:
In 2023, donations will benefit Queer Mountaineers.
Founded by queer dreamers, activists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts, Queer Mountaineers’ mission is to provide community, access to skills & gear, and a safe space for outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities. We are grateful for the partnership, talents and energy they bring to our gyms.
Please consider joining us in supporting them! Donate Now
