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22.10.24

Queer Climbing at TCA Glasgow

Join the Queer Climbing Social at The Climbing Academy!

At The Climbing Academy, we’re all about creating spaces that are open, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to our Queer Climbing Social, aimed at people within and allies to the LGBTQ+ community, providing the perfect opportunity to climb in a relaxed, social environment with like-minded people.

 

What’s the Queer Climbing Social all about?

The social club is designed with inclusivity and accessibility at its core. It’s open to climbers of all abilities, genders, ages, and backgrounds. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, the Queer Climbing Social is a place to connect, climb, and enjoy the sport in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

 

When and where?

We host two weekly sessions, so there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved:

  • Tuesdays at The Newsroom
    ⏰ 7:30 – 9:30 pm (No instructor)
  • Sundays at The Prop Store
    ⏰ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (With a TCA instructor)

There’s no need to book, and there’s no additional fee beyond your regular climbing session. Just come along, meet in the café, and we’ll take it from there!

 

Hosted by Glasgow Queer Adventures

We’re proud to partner with Glasgow Queer Adventures, a community that brings together people who share a passion for outdoor adventures, inclusivity, and celebrating diversity. With their help, we’ve created a climbing experience that’s all about fun, connection, and making sure everyone feels welcome.

 

Why do we need a queer social? – Words from Roxanna Barry

For the LGBTQ+ community, this is a question that doesn’t need asking. However, a few comments on my article for womenclimb revealed that the reasons bear repeating. Those unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ issues usually respond to these topics in a similar manner:

“how does sexuality or gender identity have anything to do with climbing?”
“why segregate yourselves”
“this stuff shouldn’t matter – we’re just climbers”

These comments come from people who usually haven’t had to worry about feeling ostracised or drained from navigating sports (or life) as a queer person. We live in a world where heterosexuality and cis-gender is the assumed ‘norm’. To challenge (or correct) these assumptions can be scary.

When derogatory language is used in the climbing community, at walls or in online spaces and isn’t called out, but accepted as ‘banter’ or a ‘joke’ – most of us wonder how you don’t understand why we want a group to climb with who aren’t going to make us uncomfortable just to get a laugh. Where we can have a good time and relax without becoming the butt of a lazy joke. Language is a powerful tool to oppress and hurt minorities and to express prejudices (even through jokes) – immediately making people feel unwelcome – and its important that we all recognise that.

The baseline of it is that ‘this stuff’ shouldn’t matter. But it does to marginalised groups – and will continue to matter until oppression is a distant memory. To deny it is to be part of the problem. It’s not about people asking others about their sexuality or genitals while climbing (bit creepy – don’t do this) but more about how people act and think and what people say. Is what you’re saying gender-specific? Are you using a slur as a ‘joke’? Stop it! It’s weird (and please, tell your mates).

 

How we can all help

But what can be done? I hear you ask. To make people feel more at home (without affecting everyone else):- don’t use slurs, even as a ‘joke’
– share your pronouns (and ask for others or use gender-neutral pronouns)
– call out questionable language
– don’t assume people’s gender
– ask for gender-neutral facilities
– just be a nice person?
– do your own research!

At queer climbing social, everyone attending is welcoming, friendly, and open. We’re there to climb routes and share our joy of climbing.

 

See Climbing Clubs at The Prop Store and The Newsroom for info on dates and timings.