thanks to everyone who already viewed this. I had written an article but all the text got scrubbed somehow ?!?!?

So I'll give you a summary.

New Mexico is fortunate to have a group dedicated to organize two campouts each year dedicated to providing a safe space for the LGBT community. My daughter told about these when I began my transition journey 3 years ago and I attended the first time in May 2023. I just returned (Sunday) from my fifth campout with them!

It's always an invigorating experience to be in a safe space with a large group of somewhat like-minded individuals to hang out, have fun together and let our queer flags (literally!) fly. We can reconnect with people we've met on previous campouts as well as friends we know from elsewhere. And we can make new friends, which is always cool!

The organizers put a lot of work into ensuring safety with dedicated teams for medical first aid needs, counselling, fire safety, supporting the disabled as well as ASL translators for the deaf and other teams.

And the time and location are kept secret for security and privacy.

Activities included a beautiful hike nearby, meditation, arts and crafts, meditation, music, and workshops on things like camping 101, firestarting, car buying for the LGBT community. Previous campouts had group line dancing and a quick course on ASL.

One big activity was a jump rope workshop!

And of course cooking and sharing food.

Because we had been getting good rain for a few weeks, many people were cooking over their own or the group's campfire.

And there was stargazing. The late night sky is gorgeous!

A good time was had by all!!!