Morning light on a rocky seashore.

REI statement: Join us in supporting the trans community and LGBTQ+ equality

Mar 11, 2022

Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented escalation in the ongoing, nationwide attack on the rights of transgender people and their families. There are at least 160 anti-LGBTQ+ bills pending in state legislatures, more than half of which specifically target trans youth. Bills banning trans youth from participating in sports and prohibiting LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools have been introduced in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, and more. And recently, Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate reports of gender-affirming care as child abuse and threatened criminal penalty for those who do not report such instances.

We condemn these actions. Today, we are calling on the entire co-op community to join us in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality by:

  • Taking action: The continued attacks on trans rights underscore the urgent need for federal non-discrimination protections to finally extend to all LGBTQ+ people. The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and more. Join us in urging the Senate to pass the Equality Act.
  • Donating: REI provides more than $500,000 in annual support for programs and organizations working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ people. This supports advocates at both the local and national levels who are working to ensure our society is safe, equitable and inclusive for everyone. Join us in supporting organizations like The Venture Out Project and TranSending that specifically support the transgender community.
  • Learning: Build your understanding of gender identity and expression with resources from organizations like the National Center for Transgender Equality, MyPronouns.org and Trans Student Educational Resources.

At REI, we are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming space for all people and have taken steps to specifically ensure transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming employees, members, customers, and community members are seen and validated. The continued attacks on LGBTQ+ and specifically trans rights are a stark reminder of the work we still need to do.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.