Rainbow Sierrans, the Sierra Club's first LGBTQ hiking group, on 40 years of trekking together

"On a foggy morning in August, a group of hikers stood laughing and joking, trekking poles in hand and backpacks full, at the top of a trail in Reinhardt Regional Redwood Park. That day, those joining the Rainbow Sierrans were mainly older women. Even in the early hours of the day, the energy emanating from them indicated a passion for the outdoors and the smiles passed between them hinted at the decades-long friendships many of them share."

"When the Rainbow Sierrans, formerly the Gay and Lesbian Sierrans, formed in 1986, it was the Sierra Club's first LGBTQ affinity group; many other groups followed in its footsteps. Several of the women present on the August hike have been members since the late 1990s; more than one told The Oaklandside they met their current or former wives on outings over the years."

"The group is still gathering nearly 40 years after its formation, but some of the group's history has faded from memory. Central to that history is the story of one of its co-founders, Bob Walker, a passionate environmentalist, photographer, and gay man who served as chair of the Sierra Club's San Francisco Bay chapter from 1990 until his death in 1992."

"Walker's legacy lives on throughout the East Bay, in the parklands and cultural institutions he loved deeply. A ridge and trail named in his honor winds through East Bay Regional Park District's Morgan Territory - an area Walker helped the district acquire in the 1980s. The Oakland Museum of California houses a collection of nearly 40,000 of his photographs. And the group that he helped start, the Rainbow Sierrans, still heads out for monthly hikes."

Rainbow Sierrans formed in 1986 as the Sierra Club's first LGBTQ affinity group. The group began as the Gay and Lesbian Sierrans and inspired other affinity groups. Monthly hikes continue nearly 40 years later, attracting mainly older women who share decades-long friendships and sometimes met partners on outings. Bob Walker, a co-founder, served as chair of the Sierra Club's San Francisco Bay chapter from 1990 until his death in 1992. Walker helped acquire Morgan Territory and is commemorated by a named ridge and trail; the Oakland Museum of California houses nearly 40,000 of his photographs. Some historical details have faded from memory, and the group seeks newcomers.

Read at The Oaklandside