Press Release: Join the Inaugural Queer LifeSpace Hike-a-Thon Supporting Affordable Access to Therapy
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Queer LifeSpace, a nonprofit counseling agency providing affordable access to therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Hike-a-Thon. This unique fundraising event combines the spirit of outdoor adventure with the power of community support. Scheduled to coincide with Earth Hour Day, the hike-a-thon invites participants to explore the breathtaking landscapes of San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail while championing LGBTQIA+ youth empowerment, healing, and resiliency. Individuals, teams, and corporate sponsors may register for the event here.
This Hike-a-Thon isn’t just a walk in the park. It’s a journey towards creating a world where LGBTQIA+ youth have access to critical mental health services and queer-affirming support. Participants will trek the northern half of the San Francisco Crosstown Trail, starting from Glen Canyon Park and concluding at the Lands End Trailhead, with an estimated duration of 7-8 hours, including a 1-hour lunch break in Golden Gate Park.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 23rd
Start: Meet at Glen Canyon Park at 8:30 AM; Depart by 9:00 AM
Finish: Lands End Trailhead, arriving in waves between 4:00-5:00 PM
Post-Hike: Sunset bonfire at Ocean Beach, 6-8 PM
Note: Hikers are welcome to join the trail anywhere, any time, and do not have to embark with the main group at 9:00 AM in order to participate.
All proceeds from the Hike-a-Thon will benefit Queer LifeSpace’s youth service offerings, including Outlandish!, EQUARTY, and Rural Youth Outreach. Outlandish! was created to provide equitable access to the outdoors for LGBTQIA+ youth and is supported by a community grant from Arc’teryx. EQUARTY (Emerging Queer Artists in Their Youth) provides therapy and artistic resources to Bay Area artists and is supported by Pinterest. The Rural Youth Outreach program provides teletherapy and queer-affirming resources in rural regions of California where access to queer-affirming resources is limited or nonexistent.
Hike-a-Thon participants can look forward to a day filled with natural beauty, camaraderie, and the satisfaction of supporting a noble cause. The top fundraising teams will win prizes, but the real reward is the difference made in the lives of young queer individuals. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to contribute to a great cause, we welcome you to join us for the entire hike, a shorter segment, or even independently at your own pace. A sunset bonfire at Ocean Beach will offer a perfect ending to a day of achievement and solidarity.
How to Participate:
Sign Up: Register via the main event page. Whether joining solo or as a team, every step counts towards supporting LGBTQIA+ youth.
Fundraise: Amplify your impact by sharing your journey and encouraging donations from your personal and professional networks.
Train: Get ready for an unforgettable day on the trail. All levels of hikers are welcome, though a sturdy pair of shoes and stamina for hiking hills are key to enjoyment and safety.
The inaugural Hike-a-Thon is generously sponsored by Arc’teryx and Ritual Coffee Roasters and supported by Pinterest. For more information and to register as an individual or team, visit the event registration page.
About Queer LifeSpace:
Founded in 2011, Queer LifeSpace is a nonprofit counseling agency committed to providing affordable, queer-affirming therapy and support services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission is to empower, heal, and build resilience among LGBTQIA+ individuals through innovative mental health services and compassionate care. We also run an internationally recognized clinical training program for the next generation of queer-affirming therapists.
Contact:
Ryan MacCarrigan, Executive Director of Queer LifeSpace
Email: rmaccarrigan@queerlifespace.org
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