Since 2023, the Outdoor Health Australia (OHA) Rainbow Group has been creating opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to connect, share, learn and contribute to a more inclusive outdoor health sector.
Through monthly online meetups, practitioners, researchers, educators, students, bush adventure therapy participants and allies have come together to explore the intersections between LGBTQIA+ identities, outdoor therapy and outdoor leadership. These gatherings have provided a valuable space for community, creativity, reflection and connection.
The Rainbow Group has also contributed to advocacy and cultural change within the sector, including supporting OHA advocacy related to the Outdoor Leadership Training Unit SISORL003M – Maintain Psychosocial and Cultural Safety for Participants, strengthening conversations around psychosocial safety, cultural safety and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) across outdoor and therapeutic practice.
At the National Outdoor Health Forum 2025, Rainbow Group members helped bring visibility and celebration to LGBTIQASB+ communities through a keynote presentation, workshops, the LGBTIQASB+ Remembrance Vigil, the Rainbow Welcome Scholarship and opportunities for connection throughout the event.
Continuing Connection Through Change
We recognise that many people in queer and trans communities, locally and globally, are navigating significant challenges, alongside wider concerns for cultural and natural environments that are deeply connected to our sector. Within the Rainbow Group, we are also experiencing the realities of these impacts, contained energy and varied commitments.
While acknowledging this, we remain committed to maintaining connection and community. Upcoming meetings will continue, offering space to gather, nurture relationships and support one another.
We describe this current season as action hibernation — an opportunity to adapt the style of gatherings while allowing space for new energy, ideas and facilitators to emerge. The group continues to hold deep care and commitment and welcomes new contributions from those who would like to help shape its future.
We celebrate the many actions and contributions of Rainbow Group members over recent years, strengthening the outdoor health field and increasing visibility, representation and belonging for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Looking ahead, the next OHA Annual Forum will be held in Victoria in late 2027, and the Rainbow Group hopes to continue contributing strongly to this gathering and the ongoing evolution of inclusive outdoor health practice.
Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+, are an ally, or want to support more inclusive outdoor spaces, we warmly invite you to join the Rainbow Group community.
Together, we continue building connection, belonging and a more inclusive future for outdoor health.
Photo credit: thanks to Duke Albada for donating her time and expertise to capture stunning photos at our 2025 National Forum.
