Bend is considered one of the country’s top outdoor sport and recreation cities, and OCO believes that inclusivity is inherent in participation and activity in outdoor sport.  Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ individuals shy away from sport, fearing hostility, ridicule, or generally feeling unwelcomed; such barriers have negative impacts on their participation and/or enjoyment.

Winter PrideFest (WPF) was conceived as a way to bring the LGBTQ+ community together over shared passion for outdoor recreation and sports, drawing on the uniqueness and natural beauty of Bend, Mt Bachelor, Central Oregon and the surrounding rural setting. What started as a local grassroots effort of 150 participants in year one has now grown into a multi-event WPF weekend, which encompasses four days of on- and off-mountain sports and social activities, and is expected to attract over 700 participants in 2020.  Unlike larger and well-established gay ski weekends, we promote and attract a broad inclusive participant base; we want everyone – LGBTQ+, youth, allies, and our friend & families – to take part.

“Beyond the traditional bounds of gender and sexuality in outdoor sports” panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ athletes, leaders and influencers, including backcountry queen, advocate, and activist Wyn Wiley (@pattiegonia), Molly Cameron (cyclist) and Joey Jacinto (strength coach); hosted by North Face professional ultra-runner and Protect Our Winters advocate Stephanie Howe. LGBTQ athletes have long struggled to gain recognition and acceptance – learn how social practices have changed and benefited current LGBTQ athletes and how events like ‘Winter PrideFest’ help bring the sporting community together with allies.

Tickets ($20): givesignup.org/TicketEvent/WinterPrideFest2020Register