As much as we don’t endorse stereotypes at LeftLion, there is something to be said about the correlation between a large proportion of the Queer community, and the outdoors – we bloody love a hike! Queer Adventure Collective (QAC) began in March and is the Midlands’ new (and rapidly growing) LGBTQIA+ group. LeftLion caught up with founder Meg Atkinson, to talk about everything adventure.
As a lover of the outdoors, Meg’s driving force behind creating the Queer Adventure Collective (QAC), was to create a “safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community, to get together, share like-minded interests of the outdoors, whilst making friends.” Meg also spoke of the benefits the outdoors can have on a person’s mental health. She’s not wrong - a study in 2012 showed how it can take “as little as five minutes” in nature to regulate your nervous system.
The origins of QAC are rooted in Meg’s personal journey into Queer-hood and coming to terms with her sexuality. “I came out as a Lesbian at 25. Before this, I considered myself to be Bisexual, though I rarely entered Queer spaces.” Meg grew up in rural Nottinghamshire, where diversity was severely lacking; she was surrounded by “nuclear cisgender people and families.” It meant that her knowledge and experience of Queer culture was largely limited.
It may come as no surprise to hear TikTok is partly to thank for Meg’s exposure. For those of you on the right side of the algorithm, you’ll already have seen (or heard)how TikTok contributed to many women’s Queer awakenings. It was especially rife during the pandemic - think thirst traps, and sexy dancing. For Meg, the algorithm is where she first saw an advert for Queer Surf Club. It really spoke to her, so much so, she packed up and took the long journey down from Nottingham to Cornwall.
“I’d never surfed before,” she shared. “I didn’t know anybody, but that weekend truly changed a lot for me. There was a moment that stood out when I was surfing. I looked left, and then right, and could see that I was surrounded by a hundred other LGBTQ+ people, within a sport that is usually very white, and cis-male dominated; it was magical.”
Although a beautiful moment, it was one that had to sadly come to an end. Upon her return, Meg expressed she felt “isolated.” She continued to attend Queer Surf Club events, whilst also delving into some closer endeavours in the North and West Midlands, but became increasingly frustrated, and initially toyed with the idea of moving, though quickly had a change of heart. “I realised that there would be others in the same situation as me, feeling like the ‘only Gay in the village.’ In the end it was an impulsive Tuesday morning decision to start QAC, and one I am very happy with.”
I realised that there would be others in the same situation as me, feeling like the ‘only Gay in the village.’ In the end it was an impulsive Tuesday morning decision to start QAC, and one I am very happy with
The recent council elections resulted in Reform UK taking control of large areas across the East Midlands. Meg stressed that “owning our own spaces” is incredibly important in the current political climate. When she first advertised QAC, many comments were “fuelled by hate and ignorance.” She opened up about the seriousness of the homophobic backlash, and that she received death threats. Despite being a country where LGBTQIA+ individuals have more rights and protection, the hate Meg endured highlighted why these spaces are vital.
“There is still so much prejudice and anger towards the LGBTQ+ community. Nottinghamshire is a county with a lot of rural spaces that lack diversity,” says Meg. “I was confused by my own sexuality for so long, because I wasn’t seeing Queer families, dynamics and spaces. QAC offers that acceptance, so everyone can take their mask off and breathe again.”
Now in its third month, QAC has quickly become an established asset amongst the East Midlands Queer community. They hold two main events per month, which has included social walks, larger hikes, cycling and even a Queer Sports Day in May. The sports day had their largest attendance, with 52 people overall. Meg shared how this was her proudest moment so far with QAC. “I love bringing people together and seeing how much they benefit from these events. It’s great that I get to share the magic I felt at Queer Surf Club closer to home.”
One attendee of the sports day, Halyna (she/her), said it was her favourite event so far. She called QAC “refreshing,” describing the event as “full of friendly competition and hilarious moments.”
Alongside this, there are “smaller sub-groups for people with particular interests, such as climbing, skating, open water swimming, and even a parents chat too.” Ad-hoc meet ups are arranged within the group, and not formally organised by Meg. It means that they have a “more intimate feel for those that prefer that dynamic.”
One of the biggest things that surprised Meg is the variety of people who’ve got involved with QAC. Her original target audience were LGBTQIA+ individuals, living in rural settings, where Queer spaces and events are next to none.
“It’s been great to see a large amount of support from people based in the city, already involved in Queer communities,” she said, adding, “many of whom have always wanted to try certain activities but needed a safe space to enjoy that. I love seeing complete beginners, who are so willing to take up new sports like paddleboarding, open water swimming and climbing.”
In QAC the emphasis really is on community. Member Lauren (she/her), spoke fondly of her experience; “This is what I feel I was missing. Meg has created this safe, diverse space, whilst ensuring to keep most events accessible,” she explained. “Even if you’re not particularly sporty, there’s no pressure to be chatting in the groups, or attending every event. It’s super laid back; with no hierarchy, or formulised structure to adhere to.”
Most events are free, though car parking or transport costs may be needed, so travelling together reduces this. There are some events that need to be prebooked, such as an upcoming trip to Go Ape. However, Meg hopes to seal some funding in the future, “to allow as many people to attend all events as possible.”
For anyone wanting to get involved in QAC, the best way to keep in the loop is via their Instagram, and WhatsApp group chats where everything gets arranged.
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