Mother Nature is Queer is a collaboration campaign between Queer Hikers and Wander Women Midwest to celebrate and encourage the presence of queer folks in the outdoors throughout Iowa and the Midwest. All proceeds from the pre-sale of Mother Nature is Queer merch will be donated to the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, a group dedicated to providing financial assistance to trans, nonbinary and gender diverse Iowans for access to gender-affirming care.

Queerness has always been present in nature, and is as natural as the plants, organisms and cycles found in nature every day. From sex-changing ginkgo trees to gay penguins, queerness creates beauty within every facet of the natural world and builds strong and abundant ecosystems. So it's only natural that we should celebrate the place queer humans have in creating a beautiful, welcoming and inspiring outdoor community.

This Pride Month, join us in saying (and wearing) it loud: Queer people belong outdoors, and they belong outdoors here, in Iowa, no matter what an increasingly hostile political community might tell us. Mother Nature is queer, baby, and she won't let anyone tell her differently.

About Queer Hikers

Queer Hikers explores Iowa’s outdoor spaces with members of the LGBTQIA+ community to build friendships, learn about nature, and be our full selves. We'll have a number of Pride events happening this June, so be on the lookout for opportunities to join us and meet other queer nature lovers.

Follow us on Instagram at @queerhikers.

About Wander Women Midwest

Wander Women Midwest guides, connects and empowers women on camping, backpacking and paddling trips across the Midwest. We run overnight trips and nature-based day programs designed to educate and bring together folks outdoors. LEARN MORE

About Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund

The Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund was founded in June 2021. The organization was founded on the belief that every Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Iowan should have access to gender-affirming care. ITMAF provides small grants to Iowans seeking this care throughout the state. Learn more at www.iowatransmutualaidfund.org.