16 August 2022

EXPLORE FUND RECIPIENT: The ClimbingQTs

ClimbingQTs is a LGBTQ+ social climbing community and advocacy group inclusive of all identities and backgrounds, founded in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). We’re proud to announce the QTs as one of the Founding Partners of The North Face Explore Fund and recipient of a 2022 grant.

 

Top Rope Day at Kangaroo Point Rock Climbing

The ClimbingQTs was founded as a not-for-profit organisation in 2018 to support the LGBTQ+ community in the outdoors.

From day one, the QTs mission has been to create a space for all humans to feel comfortable, welcome, and safe to be themselves within the climbing community, whether it's at the crag, at the gym or anywhere in between. The QTs represent a movement that is shifting how we participate, spectate, coach, work, train and play in climbing

The group, led by a passionate team of volunteers, started out running monthly indoor and outdoor climbing events, skills clinics, and education workshops.

Over the last four years, the group has expanded its reach throughout Kaurna (South Australia), Eora (New South Wales), and Meeanjin (Queensland), and will hold its first ever National Meet Up across six states on Global Climbing Day 2022. With ambitions for continued growth and impact, the QTs sought support through the Explore Fund to further develop their programs.

Top Rope Day at Mount Ngungun Rock Climbing (Glasshouse Mountains).

Explore Fund Grant

The Explore Fund grant awarded to the ClimbingQTs will be used to expand their outdoor program into Queensland and will also provide financial support to launch a peer mentoring program at BlocHaus Bouldering, Eora (New South Wales).

Outdoor Program Meeanjin (QLD)

The QTs Queensland Top Rope Days gives the community an opportunity to experience guided outdoor rock climbing with all gear provided. Two events have already taken place, with another two to follow on August 21st at Kangaroo Point Rock Climbing and September 16th at Mount Ngungun Rock Climbing (Glasshouse Mountains).

Peer Mentoring Program Eora (NSW)

The ClimbingQTs Peer Mentoring Program takes an organic approach to mentoring, allowing connections to form naturally throughout workshops and social interactions. This mentoring program launched in June with the ClimbingQTs Pride Party events, which saw over 100 members attend. Participants were also given the chance to sign up for one or more monthly workshops throughout the year, held at BlocHaus in Marrickville. While spots are limited in the workshops, everyone is welcome to join for the social climb that follows. Workshops are led by folk from BlocHaus and The North Face climbing athletes.

Interested in going along to an event? Learn more or find an event in your state here.

ClimbingQTs leader, Riley Edwards

Meet The Team

The ClimbingQTs is lead by Riley Edwards (they/them), a queer, non-binary rock climber, outdoor enthusiast, and LGBTQ+ advocate and educator. Alongside Riley is the QTs Secretary & Treasurer Ipek Cav (they/them), a queer web designer and developer, rock climber, and LGBTQ+ and disability advocate. The group is supported by a team of board members and ambassadors who help to champion inclusive, diverse, and empowering environments where LGBTQ+ climbers can learn new skills, connect with the outdoors, and feel comfortable to be themselves.

Get to know all the folks that make up this incredible team here.

Become a QT

Above all, the most important thing this group has to offer is community. Regardless of your gender, sexuality, or identity; the ClimbingQTs is a safe and inclusive space that allows everyone to be themselves within the climbing community. All skill levels are welcome, and whether you’re new to, or experienced at the gym or the crag, you’ll feel right at home with the QTs crew.

Annual memberships are by donation and can be purchased online.

ClimbingQTs Champion, Avery Chen, at the Pride Party event