What we’re about
## About Us:
## At You Belong we aim to bring safe, affirming, and inclusive outdoor experiences to the LGBTQIA2S+ Community and other marginalized identities. We’re here to build meaningful connections in nature by bringing people together to explore, laugh, and thrive!
Meet your organizers: River & Mardee Milburn! River (they/them) grew up in Wisconsin and moved to California in 2016, while Mardee (she/her) has been in California since 2007 after her move from Arizona. We are a family of four, raising two amazing kids (10 & 12), along with our beloved crew of pets; we have two dogs, a cat, hamster, and more depending on what Mardee finds and brings home haha
We met in 2020 and immediately bonded over our love for the outdoors, traveling, and building meaningful connections. It didn’t take long for us to realize how isolating it can feel to be queer and out in South Orange County. We created this meetup group as a way to bring our community together in a non-competitive, beginner friendly, inclusive environment in the outdoors. We hope you'll consider attending one of our events and getting to know us more. We can’t wait to meet you, your four-legged friends, and your chosen family.
Instagram: @youbelongoutdoorrecreation
Our Commitment to Safety:
Your emotional and physical safety is our top priority. Whether you need a bathroom buddy or extra support during an event, please reach out to Mardee or River, and we’ll ensure you're paired with someone you trust. If you ever notice or hear something concerning, please speak up immediately. Our community is built on kindness, respect, and inclusivity, and we are dedicated to addressing any behavior that contradicts these values. Your voice is essential in keeping our space safe and welcoming for everyone.
Land Acknowledgment:
We recognize that the lands we gather, explore, and build community on are the traditional and unceded territories of the Tongva, Acjachemen (Juaneño), and Payómkawichum (Luiseño) peoples, who have stewarded this land for thousands of years. We honor their history, resilience, and ongoing connection to this land, and we encourage our community to engage in learning and action to support Indigenous sovereignty.
To learn more about the original caretakers of this region and how to support Indigenous communities today, visit:
🖥 Native Land Digital – An interactive map to explore Indigenous territories.
🖥 Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation – Information about the Acjachemen people.