California Gay Adventures: Building Community Through Outdoor Activities
Table of Contents
About California Gay Adventures
Outdoor Activities
Events and International Trips
Fostering Inclusion and Connection
About California Gay Adventures
California Gay Adventures is an organization founded by Chris Kuwahara-Smith that creates community and adventure for LGBTQIA+ members. Through social events, outdoor activities, education, and community action, California Gay Adventures provides an inclusive space for members to make connections.
Chris started California Gay Adventures in 2020 as a way to unite his passions for travel, the outdoors, and building community. Chris recognized a need for more LGBTQIA+ focused travel and activity groups.
Outdoor Activities
A core part of California Gay Adventures is providing outdoor experiences for members. The group organizes day hikes, camping trips, and outdoor adventures throughout California. Getting members outside and active provides physical and mental health benefits.
Popular activities include hiking local trails like Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, and Topanga State Park. The group also arranges multi-day backpacking trips to places like Yosemite. Camping and outdoor skills workshops teach members how to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Events and International Trips
In addition to local outdoor meetups, California Gay Adventures hosts social events like pool parties, game nights, and happy hours. These casual gatherings allow members to meet others in the community.
For more adventurous members, the group organizes domestic and international trips. Past itineraries have included a Pride cruise to Alaska, a Costa Rica eco-adventure, and a trip to Iceland. Travel provides a chance to experience new cultures and bond with other members.
Fostering Inclusion and Connection
California Gay Adventures prioritizes inclusion, safety, and connection. Many members report that the group has helped them build friendships and feel supported. Having spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can be themselves allows human connections to flourish.
The group also participates in community education and volunteer work. For example, members have volunteered at LGBTQ homeless youth shelters. Giving back fosters community beyond just the membership.
Through outdoor meetups, events, and trips, California Gay Adventures is building community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Founder Chris Kuwahara-Smith has created an inclusive space that allows members to explore their interests while making meaningful connections.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!