Expanding access to climbing and build inclusive experiences.

Our 2025 Sponsors

Sponsor, Alabama Potluck 2025

We believe that climbing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. Climbing is a great way to improve physical and mental health, build self-confidence, and create a sense of community.

Climb Beyond the Barrier

Upcoming Events

What a fun meet up to Cherokee Rock Village with 2 of our programs @boulderincolor and @unharnessed_pride. It was also nice for our friends from @lcc_atlanta, @chattqueerclimbers, and @crushbham to also accompany us. These spaces are so important and necessary. So great to introduce several people to climbing outside for the first time and have a group of 40+ diverse climbers to meet up for a day of climbing in Alabama.

📸: @jaytray94

#climbing #bipoc #poc #climbersofcolor #bipocclimbers #pocclimbers #lgbt #lgbtclimbers #queerclimbers #alabama #alabamaclimbing #prideoutside #outsidewithpride #pride #diversifytheoutdoors #diversity #inclusion #asianclimbers #latinclimbers #cherokeerockvillage #outdoorclimbing #lgbtoutdoors #climbingoutside #ropeclimbing

This past weekend, several members from our various programs in ATL volunteered to support the reopening of the climbing wall at The Tracey Wyatt Center. We are incredibly proud of the work @climbing4change is doing to make climbing more accessible for everyone in our community.

📸: @erp_photo

#climbing #climbing4change #accessibility #diversity #inclusion #kidswhoclimb #underrepresented #volunteer #community #communityservice #collegepark

@jaytray94 had the privilege to represent CBB @blkoutfest this year by leading Introduction to Bouldering Outdoors clinic. This festival has been so intentional and meaningful. We highly recommend everyone come out to it next year.

#blkout #blkoutfest #climbingfestival #poc #peopleofcolor #peopleofcolorclimbing #pocclimbing #bipoc #bipocclimbers #bouldering #lookoutmountain #lookoutmoutianconsamy

This is what taking up space means in the best way! This October, CBB has been busy with our LGBTQ+ programming, and we’re thrilled to report a 100% increase in attendance for both of our annual events compared to last year. @the_chatt_kiki saw 80 participants, and @werkthered had 51. Attendees joined us from various states, including Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Louisiana, Maryland, and Florida.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to the CBB staff and ambassadors who helped create these incredible spaces. Be sure to look out for our upcoming programs, especially the @thealabamapotluck in April 2025!

#lgbt #lgbtoutdoors #lgbtclimbing #redrivergorge #redrivergorgeclimbing #chattanooga #chattanoogaclimbing #inclusion #dei #prideoutside #outsidewithpride

First day of @werkthered! So great to make so many new friends already! Thank you all who have come out and who are coming out!

#redrivergorge #climbing #thered #lgbt #lgbtclimbing #queer #queerclimbing #kentucky #kentuckyclimbing

🎃👻 Join us for the WERK! The Red Halloween Party this Saturday, October 26th, at 7 PM at Lago Linda’s Hideaway! This is a sober-safe space, so bring your non-alcoholic drinks, candy to share, and board games for a night of fun. We’ll have a campfire and build-your-own s’mores. 🔥🍫

👗🎤🎨 Costume Contest: Best costume wins a special prize package, so get creative and bring your Halloween A-game! 🏆

A gentle reminder: If you drink or have alcoholic beverages, please put them in a cozy and do not offer alcohol to others to respect those who are underage or sober. If you need to drink or smoke, please do so away from group activities. For those looking to party, Miguel’s is just down the road and also hosting a Halloween bash! 🕸️🍻

Can't wait to see you all there! 🖤

[Photo Description: The flyer features playful cartoon ghosts dressed in Halloween costumes, with one holding a microphone, another on roller skates, and another with a boombox. The text at the top reads "WERK! THE RED HALLOWEEN PARTY" with "Sponsored by Climb Beyond the Barrier." Below, the details encourage attendees to bring costumes, non-alcoholic beverages, candy, and board games. The event will take place on October 26th at Lago Linda's Hideaway, and it is noted as a "Sober Safe Space." The flyer also features stars and musical notes for a festive feel.]

#WERKTheRed #ClimbBeyondTheBarrier #SoberSafeSpace #HalloweenParty #RRG #QueerClimbers
#queerKentucky #LGBTQIAOutdoors #lgbtqiapride #lgbtoutdoors

Meet your leadership for WERK! the Red 🔥 These incredible leaders are driving the change we want to see in the climbing community! The following humans are listed left to right to match the photo above!

Jason Traylor is the President of Climb Beyond the Barrier and the founder of Unharnessed Pride and Boulder in Color, a queer climbing collective out of ATL associated with CBB. He’s also an organizer behind the outdoor festivals Chattanooga KiKi, Alabama Potluck, and Homoclimbtastic. When he is not climbing outside and hosting events, you’ll find him managing the scene at Central Rock Gym. 🧗‍♂️Recently, he has also facilitated affinity spaces affiliated with Craggin' Classic & AAC's Climb United Jason’s work is all about creating spaces where climbers can thrive, regardless of identity. ✊🏽

Shannon Taylor (he/him) is a grassroots community organizer and nonprofit leader who founded Queer Climbing Columbus, Queer Climbing Cincinnati, Queer Climbing Cleveland. Say that 10x fast. Shannon’s organizing efforts have helped shape events like WERK! the Red, Queer in the Valley, Muir Valley Pride, Chattanooga KiKi, Affinity Space Weekend, and Rock the Mad. He has also been a facilitator at Craggin' Classic NRG for Climb United by AAC. Formerly a part of Ohio Climbers Coalition as their membership director although helped bring accessible climbing and stewardship across Ohio. In 2023, he was a winner of the AccessFund Climbing Advocate Award. Currently, he is the Treasurer of Climb Beyond the Barrier and has

Cat Runner (he/him), winner of HBO Max’s The Climb, has become an icon of trans joy and an advocate for queer climbers everywhere 🌟. As the founder of the Queer Climber's Network, Cat connects queer climbers with the broader industry and community. He’s also on the board involved with the RRGCC, and helps organize Rocktoberfest. He is continuously pushing for a more inclusive future in climbing, where everyone can feel comfortable, no matter their background all across the US, but especially in Kentucky. ❤️🏳️‍⚧️

See you next weekend! Let’s WERK! 💪
#WERKtheRed #QueerClimbing #ClimbBeyondTheBarrier #UnharnessedPride #QueerClimbersNetwork #ClimbingForAll

We loved our boulder-ering session today at @the_chatt_kiki hosted by Grey (they/them) from @chattqueerclimbers with our rainbow @organicclimbing crashpads 😍🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️✌🏿
-
-
📸 Description: In this photo, a group of beautiful queer climbers are bouldering on some V0-V4 routes along a rocky riverbed in Chattanooga, TN. The scene captures one climber on the rock face, with two friends spotting for safety and support. The crash pads underneath, decorated in vibrant rainbow colors, represent pride and inclusivity. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, as the sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene outdoor setting that showcases the strength and joy of queer outdoor adventure. This image embodies a sense of community, love, and the thrill of climbing in nature.
-
-
-
-
#LGBTQClimbing #QueerClimbers #QueerOutdoorAdventure #ClimbWithPride #LGBTQOutdoorCommunity #ClimbingForAll #ClimbingInclusivity #QueerClimbingScholarship #OutdoorDiversity #ClimbingIsForEveryone #SupportQueerClimbers #ClimbOutProud #LGBTQOutdoorFund #ClimbTogether #PrideInClimbing #QueerAdventure #lgbtoutdoors

This scholarship prioritizes marginalized people of the global majority (BIPOC), and people who identify as transgender, but all are always welcome to apply! Only 6 people per course will be selected for fully paid scholarships, camping, parking costs & tips for the guides are included. Costs for travel must be provided by the participant; however, a member of leadership may be able to help find a cost effective way to have transportation. You do not have to be queer to apply!
-
🔗 See the link in our bio!
-
**Prioritizing people in the BIPOC & Transgender communities living in Kentucky or a state that shares a border.**
-
-
Gym to Crag
A perfect course for those looking to transition to outdoor climbing. We recommend this course for individuals who have some experience climbing indoors and want to expand their climbing by learning the proper techniques to climb safely outdoors. This is also a good class for those looking to learn Sport Lead Climbing.

Prerequisites: Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of roped climbing systems, including the figure 8 knot family, belaying for a top rope climber, and an understanding of the basic gear used in rock climbing.
-
Learn to Lead
This course is looking to take their roped climbing to the next level by leading bolt protected sport climbs.
In this course you’ll learn about specific hazards inherent to outdoor climbing, and how to manage risk at the crag. You’ll also learn about the techniques and decision making skills to properly evaluate risk when leading outdoor sport climbs.
-
Prerequisites: Students are expected to come into the course with a basic knowledge of roped climbing systems, including the figure 8 knot family, belaying for a top rope climber, and an understanding of the basic gear used in rock climbing.
-
📸 Description: All the info above with rainbow borders on the right.
-
#LGBTQClimbing #QueerClimbers #ClimbingScholarship #QueerOutdoorAdventure #ClimbWithPride #LGBTQOutdoorCommunity #ClimbingForAll #KentuckyClimbing #ClimbingInclusivity #QueerClimbingScholarship #OutdoorDiversity #ClimbingIsForEveryone #SupportQueerClimbers #RedRiverGorgeClimbing #ScholarshipForChange #ClimbOutProud

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Join Us

Climb Beyond the Barrier

Donate Now

Donate

Expanding access to climbing and build inclusive experiences.

Our 2025 Sponsors

Sponsor, Alabama Potluck 2025

Sponsor, Alabama Potluck 2025

Sponsor, Alabama Potluck 2025

Upcoming Events

​

Join Us

Receive Updates