Wild diversity helps people find a love language for nature

Emily Burris and Tim Steele

2 hours ago

A group of people on a Wild Diversity outing in Oregon, June 2024 (KOIN)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — When Mercy M’fon moved to the Pacific Northwest several years ago, they realized there was a need in Oregon’s vast and beautiful wilderness areas. As someone who enjoys spending time in nature, Mercy wanted to share that experience with other people.

“That freedom, that peace, that realization that resets – I wanted our community to have that,” Mercy said.

But it can be difficult to build such a community in spaces that are often white and heteronormative.

“Our community is constantly faced with prejudice, racism, homophobia, transphobia. And that doesn’t change when you go out into nature,” Mercy said. “What changes when people are out in nature is that they’re farther away from support systems, they’re farther away from safety. So not only are you afraid of being stung by bears and cougars and hornets, but you’re so far away from a support system and from people who support you for who you are.”

That’s how it goes Wild diversity was founded, a local nonprofit organization with the goal of building community for all in outdoor spaces.

“Ultimately,” says Mercy, “our goal is for them to just feel comfortable and say, ‘Hey, I could try this on my own in the future.'”

From afternoon workshops to weekend trips to multi-day hikes, Wild Diversity offers all kinds of outdoor activities that help BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities find their place in nature.

“I think it’s really helpful to go out in a group and know that people have your back,” says Kaia Austin, who volunteered as a tour guide in 2020.

“For example, when I’m out in more rural areas with my partner, I ask myself, ‘Can I kiss him now? Will we be able to hold hands and feel safe in this different environment? If someone harasses us, what options do we have? We’re in the middle of nowhere,'” Austin said. “That psychological aspect can really put a damper on things, which is why being here in a group with Wild Diversity is so special.”

She said finding comfort, safety and belonging can radically transform outdoor recreation for people who may be too afraid to try something new.

“Last summer I led a two-day trip and one of the participants had never camped overnight before, had never slept outside and was really stepping out of her comfort zone,” she said. “We created an environment where she didn’t have to worry about logistics. She could just focus on being present and connecting with nature. And it was such an amazing and special experience.”

It is these positive experiences that drive the group to continue to overcome all possible barriers – financial access through tiered pricing, a library for borrowing equipment and even scholarships help more people to have unique trips and unforgettable moments.

Wild Diversity hosts its annual fundraiser “Wild Queer” a dance party on Saturday, July 13th, at Revolution Hall.

“We’re creating a person who falls in love with this place and making it more likely that they’ll help preserve this place, take care of it, and not just use it and then leave,” Mercy said. “I think creating these moments of joy where people can find their love language outdoors are all ways to create future stewards, and that’s really important.”