What we’re about
Hello and welcome to SoCal LGBTQ+ Explorers! If you’re looking to get out and about in Southern California with other LGBTQ+ peeps and make friends, you’ve come to the right place! We host a variety of weekly & monthly events, from hiking and kayaking to visiting notable museums and other fun venues. Our events are mostly within the greater Los Angeles and Long Beach areas, and are open to all who identify within the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.
Our events are designed to be newbie-friendly and are kept free of cost unless otherwise stated. Most of our social events are followed by lunch or dinner at nearby venues to allow time to relax, chat, and get to know each other.
SoCal Explorers was created with the mission to create a welcoming, accepting community based around an enjoyment of exploring the outdoors and the many activities SoCal has to offer. Remember: Making friends as an adult is hard, exploring SoCal is easy!
RULES & EXPECTATIONS
- RSVPS are required in order to attend events
- If you are running late to an event or if something comes up, feel free to reach out to the event coordinator. Contact info is included in all event descriptions
- Space is limited. Only RSVP if you can come. Plans change and that’s ok! Please be sure to un-RSVP so another Explorer can attend!
- We want to preserve our community feel of welcoming and acceptance; we have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, aggression, or mistreatment towards others.
- We welcome suggestions for events from our Explorers!
- By participating in group activities, you are responsible for your preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold Organizers or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event.
- We encourage members to follow local health ordinances. Organizers cannot guarantee participants are vaccinated and are not active carriers of COVID-19. Any liability in this regard ultimately lies with the participant.
- When joining us for meals after events, split checks may not be available. We ask that you come prepared with cash or the ability to pay with Venmo, Zelle, or Paypal. Tax & 20% gratuity will be shared equally between all in attendance. Links to restaurants and their menus (if available) will be posted in the event pages.
- Participants will be invited to take part in group photos which will be shared on this Meetup page and on social media. Taking part in a group photo is optional, just let the organizers know in advance if you do not want to be photographed.
- Pictures taken during events are shared on our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram! Always feel free to send the pictures you take to us; we’ll be happy to add them!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Monthly beginners indoor rock climbing & lunchLong Beach Rising, Long Beach, CA
SoCal LGBTQ+ Explorers, please join us for indoor climbing (bouldering) at Long Beach Rising!
If this is your first time, welcome. Organizers will provide general advice and a demonstration to help get you started. Parking is available on the street alongside and behind Long Beach Rising (205 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813). We will meet in the foyer.
Day passes cost $27 and $5 for shoe hire, and $2 for climbing chalk. Climbing chalk is not necessary but provides a better grip. There are a number of graded climbs available at LBR, and many are suitable for beginners.
More info about the venue can be found here: https://longbeachrising.com/
15 spots are available for this climb. Space is limited so please only RSVP if you intend to come. Out of consideration for the rest of the group, we ask that you aim to be on time and reach out to organizer if you are expecting to be late.
We will spend roughly an hour m to two hours climbing, before heading over to the nearby Elephant Thai Kitchen (2087 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90806) for lunch. Here is a link to the restaurant menu.
Note that when paying for your meal, split checks are not available. The following forms of payment are accepted: cash, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. If you choose to use a payment app, the event coordinators will let you know your total, plus tax and tip, and you may pay them directly. Please expect to spend at least $18 after tax and tip.
Newbies, know that the organizer(s) will do their best to make you feel welcome. Please feel free to contact them in advance if you have any questions.
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- By participating in group activities, you are responsible for your preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold Organizers or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event.
- We encourage members to follow local health ordinances. Organizers cannot guarantee participants are vaccinated and are not active carriers of COVID-19. Any liability in this regard ultimately lies with the participant.
- Participants will be invited to take part in group photos which will be shared on this Meetup page and on social media. Taking part in a group photo is optional.
