Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, inclusion, and celebration across every industry, including the outdoor and leisure sector. These spaces should be for everyone, and stories from team members like Elliot and Heather highlight both the progress we’ve made and the work still to do.
Their stories remind us that pride isn’t just a celebration, it’s a commitment. At every level, we’re striving to make the outdoors and our leisure facilities welcoming places where everyone can feel safe, seen, and supported.
The burning question, is the leisure industry inclusive of LGBTQ+ people?
The answer I would give is yes it is. Having worked in the leisure industry for nearly 15 years. I have always known it to be inclusive and I’m fortunate to have never had any negative experiences.
London Youth has always been up there with supporting and embracing the LGBTQ+ community from the day I started working here, which was nearly 10 years ago now! From working alongside staff members, working with groups that are members of the charity and the local community that come and use our facilities, it has always been a positive experience, which I am grateful for. As it means I can come to work and be comfortable in the environment I am working in and offer the best version of myself.
Being a swimming teacher, it has always been important to me to showcase that it doesn’t matter on your background, your image or previous experiences. As long as you have a good time, have positive experiences and walk away with some sense of achievement then that is the most important thing.
Being who you are and who you want to be and living your true authentic self is the most powerful element of yourself and nobody can take that away from you!
Be yourself and be proud of it!
Heather – Swimming Teacher
For the past four years, I’ve poured my heart into the outdoor industry, and each moment has been an incredible, life-changing experience.
It’s not just a job, it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and belonging. As an LGBTQ+ individual, I’ve never felt more deeply seen, more truly accepted, whether by the vibrant community around me or by those beyond it.
Woodrow High House has been more than a steppingstone; it’s been a sanctuary that has profoundly shaped my path and fueled my passion. Their unwavering support and flexibility, especially during my moments of uncertainty, have meant the world to me.
While the outdoor industry still has steps to take toward to full inclusion, I believe the courage to be open about who we are and how we support LGBTQ+ people is a powerful beginning. It sends a beacon of hope to young LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere showing them that this is a safe, welcoming space where they can be their true selves. That visibility, that acceptance, is the spark that ignites confidence and change.
Elliot – Outdoor Instructor