By Beth Bittle
Founded in 1986, and now in our 32nd year, the San Francisco Bay Chapter Gay and Lesbian Sierrans (GLS) was the Sierra Club’s first gay and lesbian activities section, and we continue to be one of the largest in the country.
Over the past year, our group undertook an effort to evaluate how we could better welcome the diversity of the LGBTQQIA community in the most inclusive way. One of the results of that self-reflection was an initiative to change our name to more fully reflect the diversity of our community and membership (including those who do not identify as gay or lesbian). Our chapter voted and supported the name change. So, as a result, we will be known as Rainbow Sierrans, a change signifying how we are growing, changing, and looking toward the future, while honoring the path that has led us here.
Rainbow Sierrans outings run the gamut from easy urban strolls to vigorous peak hikes; from kayaking and cycling to hands-on restoration and trail maintenance projects. Everyone is welcome on our outings. We are an active group with many types of outings for beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. This year Rainbow Sierrans have already held 83 events including car camping, hiking, cycling, kayaking, restoration and clean-up days. To learn more, please visit www.rainbowsierrans.org and join us on an outing.
Yodeler article from March 1986 announcing the formation of Gay and Lesbian Sierrans:
Top photo courtesy rainbowsierrans.org.