WELCOME TO
CRUX
Climbing
An LGBTQIA+ rock climbing community in the NYC Metropolitan and New York State Capital areas.
OUR MISSION AND VISION
Supporting a community of queer climbers
We’re a service-oriented, volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to expand access to rock climbing and outdoor recreation for LGBTQIA communities across the New York metropolitan area.
Through climbing, CRUX aims to build community, support physical and emotional well-being, and offer leadership opportunities to LGBTQIA individuals, while providing education and visibility within the greater climbing community.
What is “crux”?
Drawing parallels between the most challenging part of a climb and our founders’ personal journeys within the queer community, the name highlights the shared commitment to overcoming obstacles, fostering a supportive community that understands the effort required to ascend both literal and metaphorical heights.
Just as climbers face physical and mental difficulties at the crux, we also encounter unique challenges as we navigate our identities. Crux is meant to embody the spirit of resilience and unity as we face both climbing and life cruxes.
OUR SERVICES
LGBTQIA Competency and Advocacy
We work with partner gyms to provide LGBTQIA competency training and community needs awareness. We can provide input on new building plans regarding non-gendered restrooms and changing areas, suggestions for inclusive language, and strategic planning for sustainable queer programming.
CRUX also partners with other LGBTQIA climbing/outdoor-focused groups, consult with queer people across North America who want to start their own queer climbing groups, as well as amplify queer voices in the outdoor space.
OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY
Support for communities
One of our main outreach partners is the Ali Forney Center, which provides housing and supportive services for LGBTQIA youth experiencing housing and financial insecurity. We also participate in outreach initiatives like high school pride clubs and trans-focused wellness groups. CRUX is proud to be a member of the New York State LGBT Health & Human Services Network and a founding member of the Radical Climbing Festival.
Programs and Events
Confidence, trust, mindfulness, self-reliance… climbing incorporates many mental and emotional principles. Through our indoor and outdoor programming, along with our skill-building classes, we aim to empower first-time and experienced LGBTQIA climbers with the kinds of mental skill that can translate to other parts of their lives. We host regular indoor climbing meetups and events, outdoor day trips, as well as occasional multi-day trips around the country. We also facilitate skill-building classes and workshops, such as wilderness first aid, self-rescue, anchor building, and competition coaching.
Upcoming events!
Programs
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Queer Femme Wednesdays
For Queer people of all genders who are Femme, feminine-of-center, butch/stud, or have feminine gender expressions. New climbers welcome!
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Trans/Nonbinary/Intersex Climbing
Join CRUX for a new monthly climbing meetup for trans, nonbinary, and intersex climbers! 1st Thursdays of every month. New climbers welcome!
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Monthly Meetups
Join our monthly meetups in various locations in NY. New climbers, all bodies, and all abilities encouraged!
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NYC Indoor Events
Join CRUX Climbing for our twice-monthly LGBTQIA+ indoor rock climbs in Harlem. All experience levels welcome!
Questions?
Contact us if you have any questions about attending events or volunteering!