Examining LGBTQ+ Access to Green Space: Challenges and Pathways to Inclusion

Abstract

Contact with nature is widely recognized as essential for mental and physical well-being, there is increasing evidence that access to nature and its associated benefits are unequally distributed. However, LGBTQ+ individuals remain underrepresented in research on accessibility to nature and its benefits. This study examines the constraints affecting LGBTQ+ individuals' experiences in natural spaces within the Puget Sound Region. Using Q methodology—an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this research identifies three dominant discourses regarding LGBTQ+ accessibility to green spaces: (1) Strong Sense of Belonging, (2) A Call for Action, and (3) Safety as a Concern. Study participants ranked and sorted statements regarding their experiences, allowing for the identification of shared perspectives. The Strong Sense of Belonging discourse describes individuals who feel comfortable and accepted in green spaces, particularly in nature itself rather than in institutions such as National Parks. The Call for Action discourse emphasizes the need for systemic change, citing a lack of initiatives that promote inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community and distrust toward land management organizations. The Safety as a Concern discourse highlights the fear of discrimination, harassment, and violence, with participants often carrying self-defense tools and avoiding certain green spaces.

Findings reveal that LGBTQ+ individuals navigate access to nature differently based on perceived safety, political climate, and institutional support. Many participants noted that urban green spaces often feel less safe than wilderness areas due to social dynamics and potential for bias-related encounters. The research also revealed that participants value queer visibility in outdoor recreation and recognize the need for policies that promote equity in green space access.

Like other environmental justice scholarship, this work highlights the need for land management strategies that are inclusive. This research can inform policies to enhance safety, visibility, and accessibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in outdoor spaces. By addressing this research gap, the study fosters a deeper understanding of how social identity shapes interactions with nature, promoting a more equitable approach to environmental planning.

Nature exposure has significant benefits for mental health. Nature contact enhances well-being, happiness, social connections, cohesion, engagement, life purpose as well as improves overall life management. However, there is increasing evidence that access to nature and its associated benefits are unequally distributed. Although scholars have focused on inequities in nature contact, however LGBTQ+ individuals have been largely excluded from this body of work. The harmful effects of social exclusion may be exacerbated in natural green spaces, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals and limiting their ability to experience the well-documented health benefits of nature exposure. This study identified the constraints that influence LGBTQ+ individuals' perceptions and experiences of acceptance when accessing green or natural spaces. The three discourses identified in this study are (1) Strong Sense of Belonging (2) A Call for Action (3) Safety as a Concern. Broadly, the study aims to inform management practices that enhance opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to engage with nature and maximize its benefits. By using a social science methodology known as Q methodology, this research identified and examined the perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals regarding their feelings of acceptance or exclusion in natural green spaces. This approach enabled participants to identify specific features of green spaces that contribute to their accessibility or inaccessibility for LGBTQ+ populations. Contact with nature is widely recognized as essential for mental and physical well-being, there is increasing evidence that access to nature and its associated benefits are unequally distributed. However, LGBTQ+ individuals remain underrepresented in research on accessibility to nature and its benefits. This study examines the constraints affecting LGBTQ+ individuals' experiences in natural spaces within the Puget Sound Region. Using Q methodology—an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this research identifies three dominant discourses regarding LGBTQ+ accessibility to green spaces: (1) Strong Sense of Belonging, (2) A Call for Action, and (3) Safety as a Concern. Study participants ranked and sorted statements regarding their experiences, allowing for the identification of shared perspectives. The Strong Sense of Belonging discourse describes individuals who feel comfortable and accepted in green spaces, particularly in nature itself rather than in institutions such as National Parks. The Call for Action discourse emphasizes the need for systemic change, citing a lack of initiatives that promote inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community and distrust toward land management organizations. The Safety as a Concern discourse highlights the fear of discrimination, harassment, and violence, with participants often carrying self-defense tools and avoiding certain green spaces.

Findings reveal that LGBTQ+ individuals navigate access to nature differently based on perceived safety, political climate, and institutional support. Many participants noted that urban green spaces often feel less safe than wilderness areas due to social dynamics and potential for bias-related encounters. The research also revealed that participants value queer visibility in outdoor recreation and recognize the need for policies that promote equity in green space access.

Like other environmental justice scholarship, this work highlights the need for land management strategies that are inclusive. This research can inform policies to enhance safety, visibility, and accessibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in outdoor spaces. By addressing this research gap, the study fosters a deeper understanding of how social identity shapes interactions with nature, promoting a more equitable approach to environmental planning.

Nature exposure has significant benefits for mental health. Nature contact enhances well-being, happiness, social connections, cohesion, engagement, life purpose as well as improves overall life management. However, there is increasing evidence that access to nature and its associated benefits are unequally distributed. Although scholars have focused on inequities in nature contact, however LGBTQ+ individuals have been largely excluded from this body of work. The harmful effects of social exclusion may be exacerbated in natural green spaces, further marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals and limiting their ability to experience the well-documented health benefits of nature exposure. This study identified the constraints that influence LGBTQ+ individuals' perceptions and experiences of acceptance when accessing green or natural spaces. The three discourses identified in this study are (1) Strong Sense of Belonging (2) A Call for Action (3) Safety as a Concern. Broadly, the study aims to inform management practices that enhance opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to engage with nature and maximize its benefits. By using a social science methodology known as Q methodology, this research identified and examined the perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals regarding their feelings of acceptance or exclusion in natural green spaces. This approach enabled participants to identify specific features of green spaces that contribute to their accessibility or inaccessibility for LGBTQ+ populations.