Recreation Club Unites Toronto’s Gays & Lesbians

Toronto’s gay community club, the Out & Out Club, was designed for those gays and lesbians who wanted to take part in outdoor and social events in a gay friendly environment. The club began in 1980 by a group of people wanting to go camping and canoeing, but has since grown and now has well over 1000 members in the Greater Toronto Area.

This is a remarkable accomplishment for any local based recreational club but given that this club is driven by the desires of gay men and women to get together as a group to participate in outdoor sporting and social events, it even more impressive. Toronto, aided by positive gay rights in Canada, attracts a large number of gay and lesbian residents due to its diversity, amenities, and multi-culturalism.

That feeling of unconditional acceptance is certainly evident in the make-up of the club. Old, young, couples, singles, men, women, fit, unfit, black, white, asian, middle eastern…you name it, the club organizes fun and interesting experiences for all. In talking to different people to determine what prompted them to join, the overwhelming response was to learn and teach new things about and to and with other people. It’s the gathering of experience in different areas that they like.

“I can teach someone about different types of plants when we are hiking and, a few weeks later, that same person will be helping me learn to golf,” says, Ron T, an older gentleman who has been with the club for 3 years.

Fifty-eight year old, Marcel, had this to say, “I joined because I had just relocated to Toronto from Boston for work and desperately wanted to meet decent, active gay people. I have been with the club now for about 10 years and, aside from a few friends at work, most of my friends are also members. Joining Out and Out really eased my transition to a new City.”

This immensely popular club continues to grow each year. There are a number of outdoor events going on all year such as camping, skiing, white-water rafting, tennis, organized sports teams and hiking. Everyone is encouraged as all events are geared to people of all fitness levels and ages. That means attitudes are checked at the door and people share their skills in an encouraging and supportive manner with one another.

Social events are organized to encourage members to get to know one another on a personal level but members talking in a relaxed setting also learn about events that they might not otherwise try.

Anyone moving to a new city should consider looking into whether or not such a club exists and, if you live in the Toronto area, you might consider checking out this amazing club – friends and fun are sure to result!