"One afternoon on a hike with my straight friends, I realized I was the odd one out. They were deep in au pair and"
"Our retreats blend hiking, community building, and a bit of luxury,"
"They're safe, affirming spaces to rediscover nature and meet chosen family."
Hitesh Tolani founded Gays of National Parks after weekend hikes with straight friends exposed a social gap. He launched an Instagram to showcase hikers and invite connection; direct messages poured in with raw stories seeking real-world community. Public-health evidence frames loneliness as an epidemic with LGBTQ+ people particularly affected, and time in nature can transform isolation into community. GoNP retreats turn wild spaces into chosen-family hubs by combining expert-led hikes, campfire storytelling, and intentional community building. Proceeds fund stipends and scholarships so cost does not bar participation. Upcoming excursions include Yosemite, Joshua Tree, the Catskills, Croatia, and Montenegro.
Read at Queerty
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