Gay Outdoor Club: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Gay Outdoor Club?

The Gay Outdoor Club is a national organisation which welcomes lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender members and their friends. It celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2004 and its membership covers a wide age-range, with over 1500 members in the Club. So where we are is almost certainly near you. Look at the local groups page to find out the one nearest you, or think about the nation-wide specialist groups.
 

What do I get as a Member?

A monthly magazine Outdoors contains up to date contact numbers, articles, reports of meetings and letters, and a list of activities for the next few months. You are able to participate in activities in all the groups throughout the country, details of which are given in Outdoors.
 

What sort of activities are there?

Walking is the backbone activity of the Club, but all outdoor sports are potentially possible through the Club. Members competed at the New York, Amsterdam and Sydney Gay Games not only as sport climbers but in the marathon, triathlon, tennis, cycling and swimming events. Cycling, mountaineering, climbing and caving are all well-represented in the Club with specialist groups co-ordinating events nationally. Swimming and badminton are also well-represented; canoeing is offered too.
 

Is it UK-only?

We have international links as well as organising international trips. Attractions in the last few years have included trips to the Pyrenees, Morocco (Atlas Mountains), Iceland and several Alpine trips, plus a Himalayan trip which included a first ascent. Links between GOC in the UK and GOC Germany are strong, with joint events including Alpine trips the last three years and a Scottish visit by GOC Germany. There are regular cross-channel weekends with our French and Belgian counterparts e.g. Le Gai Shuttle. The International Secretary has details of overseas sister-bodies, although the links page on this website offers the best access to them.
 

Suppose my sport isn't represented?

We also hold joint events with other groups, including GLUG, the Gay and Lesbian Underwater Group, Goslings, the London-based badminton and swimming group and CycleOut, the London based cycling group. If you have suggestions for other sports not currently found within GOC, the club will be willing to consider additions.
 

Am I in a minority if I'm a woman?

Yes. We are working to change this. The best thing to do is make sure you network with other GOC women locally. That way you can make sure that local events aren't dominated by the male majority of GOC.



Does the club have a constitution?

Yes. GOC has a constitution. If you want to read it, click for the details.

And if I don't like the range of activities locally?

Members can participate in the activities of their local group, or the nation-wide programme of one of the special activity groups, or can choose from a vast calendar of events throughout the country. Age-range varies from group to group and many members will find the group that most appeals to them but participate in the events of other groups too. In 99% of cases, there is a group near you!
 

What do I do next?

Use the individual pages for further information on all the varied activities of the club. For full news of actual events, you will need to see the monthly GOC Outdoors magazine. E-mail us for a pack of information including a specimen copy of Outdoors. Joining the Club will bring you Outdoors regularly.