ClimbingQTs is only possible due to the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers across so-called Australia. ClimbingQTs is governed by an elected board of committee members from around the country who work with project leads, event volunteers we refer to as Champions, climbing gym staff, and climbing instructors and guides. Together, we work hard to deliver on our vision of fun, welcoming and genuinely inclusive spaces within the climbing community.
pronouns: he/they
Michael fell in love with bouldering through ClimbingQTs, and can often be found championing QTs events loudly and proudly on Gadigal and Wangal land (Sydney). He’s also involved in building LGBTQIA+ community through his union, and softball and social soccer teams (but he’s still wouldn’t call himself ‘sporty’).
Contact: president@climbingqts.com
pronouns: they/them
Ipek (pronounced ee-pek) is a queer web designer and developer, rock climber, and LGBTQ+ and disability advocate. They’ve been volunteering for the ClimbingQTs since 2019 and serving on the board since 2020.
Contact: secretary@climbingqts.com
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Contact: treasurer@climbingqts.com
Online community lead
pronouns: they/it
Billie is a super social agender climber who got involved with ClimbingQTs in 2022. Originally from Ngunnawal country and currently residing in Naarm, Billie has a Bachelor Degree in Animation and loves creating art, animation and music in its own time.
Youth engagement lead & social media
pronouns: he/him
Daniel is a massive adrenaline junkie, so you'd definitely find him doing crazy stuff on the walls. Climbing on Gadigal land (NSW), Daniel strives to encourage the queer youth of Australia to enjoy the enrichment of rock climbing and embrace their queer identity.
Outdoor events lead
pronouns: they/them
be gay do climbs
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Em resides in Whadjuk-Noongar land, where she studies rocks for a living. Some persistent convincing from her friends got her climbing rocks for fun as well! She is an avid coffee drinker, muso and will always bring weird snacks to your party.
pronouns: they/them
Hollis loves fostering queer community in Kaurna Land, exploring the surround bush land and falling off the rocks that can be found within.
Grants & funding lead
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Lou is based in Naarm on Wurundjeri Country. When she's not falling off walls, Lou enjoys fostering greyhounds 🐶 and bothering local drivers on her bike. Lou is keen to identify funding and research opportunities that will make climbing more accessible and explore the benefits of grassroots queer climbing communities.
Memberships lead
pronouns: she/her
Find Meredith at your local Eora QTs meetup, chatting about outdoor climbing, ocean swimming, the latest in sapphic cinema and her passion for queer community. She'll remind you to double-check your safety and take a second at the top to savour the views.
Vice President & Volunteers lead
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Nick is a proud trade unionist and political campaigner currently working in the industrial advocacy space. His passion for building strong, vibrant communities drew him into the queer climbing world. Nick is always on the lookout for progressive activists from all walks of life, identifying natural leaders and giving them the tools and resources to be able to grow their own inclusive communities and thrive!
Contact: vicepresident@climbingqts.com
Marketing & social media lead
pronouns: they/them
Sam is a queer AuDHDer who discovered bouldering through friends and ClimbingQTs while seeking community. They quickly fell in love with both and how they made them feel safe, supported and *joyful* in themselves and their queer identity. Based in Naarm (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country), they are a marketer volunteering their skills to share the amazing work ClimbingQTs do and to help more QTs find the community that changed their life for the better.
In-gym programs & events lead
pronouns: they/them
Sydelle loves climbing rocks and subsequently falling off rocks.
Based in Naarm.
TransQTs lead
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Tarkyn is a non-binary climber, community arts worker and rampant socialite. When not touching rocks, you can often find them perfecting the mushroom pizza or deep in the throes of a live show. They have been privileged to meet so many wonderful queer people through climbing and can't wait to grow the community further in the years to come!
Partnerships & sponsorships lead
pronouns: he/him
Zen spends more time socialising than climbing during a session, brushing holds for other climbers and offering baked goods as encouragement. He champions intersectional activism with the goal to make spaces safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ persons and POCs. With his background in coaching, you'll often find him in the training area of the gym, trying to avoid slab climbing because he "brought the wrong shoes".
Check out ClimbingQTs UK Chapter