How It Started
The outdoors had always been a place where Perry Cohen found comfort, inspiration and joy. It enabled him to feel proud of what his body could do and where it could take him. As he navigated his own transition, Perry wanted others to feel, even if just for a moment, grateful for their bodies and where they could take them.
In 2014, Perry traded his corporate office for a backpack and a dream. He set out to merge his personal passion and professional aspirations by creating an outdoor adventure outfitter by and for queer people, now known as The Venture Out Project.
How It's Going
Since it was founded in 2014, the project has grown exponentially. What started as a few backpacking trips each year has turned into a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ community building and challenge-based personal development outdoors, having led over 50 adventures for upwards of 500 LGBTQ+ participants from across the globe.