Finding Solidarity in a Queer Hiking Group Through Merseyside, England

Shannon Keating joined a queer hiking group for a trek through Merseyside, England, finding solidarity and a connection to nature. The group's outing, described in a personal essay, aimed to foster community among LGBTQ+ individuals in the outdoors. Keating observed that the natural environment mirrored the diversity and beauty of the queer community. The experience highlighted the therapeutic and social benefits of shared outdoor activities for marginalized groups. The essay details the specific trails and landscapes encountered during the hike, emphasizing the restorative power of nature and human connection. Keating's narrative underscores the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for queer people to engage with the natural world.