ClimbOut 2024

Held over the late May bank holiday, ClimbOut 2024 expanded on the success of its inaugural event, welcoming a total of 340 attendees for a weekend of climbing, connection, and community.

ClimbOut celebrates the intersection of queer joy and outdoor climbing. With a focus on Diversity, Empowerment, and Accessibility, we created a vibrant and safe space for LGBTQ+ climbers of all backgrounds to thrive.

Key Highlights

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• More spaces and Bigger range of Courses – From beginner-friendly sessions to advanced climbing techniques, we offered 201 course spaces.
• Inclusivity at the Core – 37 bursary spaces reduced financial barriers for queer racialised minorities, genderqueer and trans individuals, queer disabled participants, and low-income queer folk.
• Accessibility Upgrades – Wheelchair-friendly matting and tailored course support based on individual access needs ensured everyone could get involved.
• Social Magic – We expanded the social programme: campfires, dinners, food and drink, speakers, film screenings, and late-night dance sessions to keep the festival vibe alive.

Festival By the Numbers

Total attendees: 340 (including 49 instructors, 21 partners, and 5 speakers/photographers).

Gender Diversity:

• Everyone – 39.1% Female, 32.1% Male, 22.7% Non-binary, 2.6% Gender fluid, 3% Prefer not to say.
• Instructors – 42.9% Female, 42.9% Male, 10.2% Non-binary, 2% Prefer not to say.

Trans Identity:

• Everyone – 25.9% of respondents identified as trans.
• Instructors – 4.1% of instructors identified as trans.

Sexual Orientation:

• Everyone – 34.4% Gay/Lesbian, 32.4% Bisexual, 14.7% Heterosexual, 6.5% Queer, 4.1% Pansexual, 2.4% Asexual.
• Instructors – 59.2% Heterosexual, 18.4% Bisexual, 16.3% Gay/Lesbian, 2% Pansexual.

Ethnicity:

• Everyone – 83.2% White, 6.8% Asian, 5.3% Mixed, 2.1% Black, 1.5% Other.
• Instructors – 91.8% White, 4.1% Asian, 2% Black, 2% Mixed.

Disability Representation:

• Everyone – 23.5% of respondents identified as disabled.
• Instructors – 6.1% of instructors identified as disabled.

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Breaking Barriers with Training & Recruitment

We know how much representation matters. Recognising gaps in diversity among instructors, ClimbOut launched a Qualification Training Scheme to boost diversity and foster a more representative instructor base. In August 2024:

• 15 candidates completed Climbing Wall, Rock Climbing, and Mountain Leader certifications.
• 30% of spaces were reserved for global majority participants.

We’re proud to proactively recruit and work with instructors, speakers, and photographers from diverse backgrounds, working to tackle industry-wide representation gaps.

Courses and Instructors

201 course spaces offered, covering beginner to advanced climbing courses.

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Our instructor team was made up of 49 instructors: 26 MCIs, 2 RCDIs, 10 RCIs, 6 coaches, 1 mobility instructor, and 1 first aid instructor. 6 instructors were kindly provided by the Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI)

‍What Attendees Said

“It was three days of paradise. I have never felt so seen and comfortable with people in this way. This community has given me much hope and strength to face the world.” 

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“A great opportunity to meet an amazing bunch of people in a great atmosphere. ClimbOut redefined for me what a climbing festival could be like”

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“I was very impressed with the effort made to meet all expressed access needs - which are complex and multi-faceted. I felt consulted and listened to and like steps were taken to try and both learn what might be needed and act responsively.” 

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“Everything that I could have needed from an accessibility standpoint had been thought of. Incredibly grateful that info was asked of me beforehand, and then used to make sure I had everything I needed to participate when I arrived.” 

Looking Ahead

ClimbOut is already dreaming big for 2025! Next year, we aim to:

1. Continue improving diversity and accessibility measures
2. Expand our qualification programmes to empower more underrepresented leaders.
3. Strengthen partnerships to sustain growth and create lasting impact.

Thank You!

ClimbOut’s success reflects the passion and dedication of our organisers, partners, instructors, and—most importantly—the fabulous LGBTQ+ climbing community. Together, we’re changing the face of outdoor adventure.

To read the full report check out our website!