Clearwater stands unwaveringly with LGBTQ+ people and is committed to remaining a safe space for queer joy, adventure, education, and community. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. We will fight alongside the trans and non-binary community and condemn hate, discrimination, and violence in all forms. We reject attempts to erase LGBTQ+ voices, identities, and experiences.
We will continue to celebrate LGBTQ+ history and culture within our programs. Our Queerwater Youth Empowerment Program will return this summer – a life-changing, no-cost, three-day, two-night leadership training program for LGBTQ+ Youth and allies. The name originated in the 80s when the first large cohort of out LGBTQ crewmembers worked on the Clearwater and caught the attention of other boats in the region. They affectionately, (and sometimes not so affectionately), started calling the boat Queerwater, a play on “Clearwater.”
We are proud of the queer history, present, and future of Clearwater and pledge to continue advocating for equity, inclusion, and justice within our organization and the broader world. Together, we will stand against oppression and work toward a future where all people can live authentically without fear.
