From one hike to a community: Queer and trans connect at Middlesex Fells

By Sangmin Song

What began as a one-time partnership hike in 2022 has grown into a monthly event at the Middlesex Fells. With support from Friends of the Fells, the Queer and Trans Hiking Fell-ows organize free, two-hour hikes on the last Sunday of each month — part exercise, part community, and part safe space.

The Fell-ows' volunteer leaders plan routes, guide participants along trails, and make sure no one is left behind. Each outing begins with introductions and an icebreaker, encouraging hikers to share about themselves and connect with others in the LGBTQIA+ community.

“At the beginning, everybody gets to stand in a circle as we gather at the head of the trail, and we introduce ourselves and pronouns,” volunteer leader Leah Nussbaum said.

They offer an icebreaker question each time so people feel comfortable and to encourage people to talk to each other and get to know each other.

Out on the trail, the landscape itself becomes part of the conversation. The trees, rocks, and shifting paths give people something to talk about without pressure, and conversations start naturally in an atmosphere that feels both relaxing and safe.

“It’s not like you’re sitting face to face at a restaurant where it’s super directed…[anyone] can jump in on conversations that others are having,” Nussbaum said. “So it’s kind of a casual setting and also just nice as you’re going for a walk together."

Volunteer leader Max Franke said the hikes are more than casual walks. He sees them as a structured way to meet new people in a setting that encourages connections to carry on beyond the trails.

“It’s just a really good way to meet who else is in the community,” he said. “It’s kind of a jumping-off point for people to just meet... they can form a friendship there and then make plans outside of the group.”

The group traces back to a Friends of the Fells’ collaboration with the Venture Out Project, a western Massachusetts nonprofit that leads outdoor trips for the queer and transgender community. After that hike, participants expressed interest in holding events more regularly, which led to the first volunteer leaders stepping forward to make monthly hikes possible.

Maddie Morgan, who is the field programs manager of the Friends of the Fells, said that in 2022, she met a bunch of folks who expressed interest in outdoor trips for the queer and trans community happening more often, at least monthly.

“That’s how it kind of came together," Morgan said, "and then it’s been able to keep going because of the volunteers who jumped in and lead the hikes every month and make it happen.”

Friends of the Fells runs an Eventbrite page each month to post listings, track RSVPs, and handle check-in, along with promotion and other logistics so volunteers can focus on leading.

“We do more of the back end side of things, and then also promotion via our newsletter and social media,” Morgan said.

She said the hikes reflect Friends of the Fells’ mission of expanding access to nature.

“One of our big goals is really getting people outside and enjoying the Fells in a sustainable and healthy way,” Morgan said. “Some folks had never been on a hike before or tried it before, so this is a great opportunity to get people out in a safe, welcoming, warm, supportive environment, so then they feel like they can keep coming out and enjoy the Fells.”

Morgan said the hikes welcome everyone, from first-time hikers to those with years of experience. She said the program offers guidance and support so newcomers feel comfortable on the trail.

“If you see the hike and maybe you’re nervous about hiking, we’ll just encourage you to give it a shot, and it’s a very supportive and safe environment to try something new,” Morgan said.

Nussbaum said people are always welcome to join, whether they come alone or with friends.

“If you don’t know anybody who’s going, come and make new friends and join us,” Nussbaum said. “It’s really nice for folks in the community to be able to get outdoors and have something that’s easily accessible from where we live.”

Upcoming Friends of the Fells hikes can be found here, and details for the Queer and Trans Hiking Fell-ows are shared in this Facebook group.

Sangmin Song is a senior journalism student. This story is part of a partnership between Gotta Know Medford and the Boston University Department of Journalism.