Grizzly Pines, a private gay campground in Texas, is under fire for reaffirming a policy banning transgender men from its property. The Navasota-based, clothing-optional campground posted the policy on Trans Day of Visibility, stating it only allows cisgender men to preserve “comfort” and “shared lived experience.” The post was later deleted, and comments on social media were disabled. The venue wrote, “This campground was created as a haven specifically for men who historically lacked spaces where they could express themselves openly. We’re not anti-trans; we’re just focused on preserving this unique subcultural dynamic.”
The policy has drawn backlash, particularly from the bear community, known for embracing body positivity and inclusion. The Houston Bears canceled their sold-out Bear Camp, stating, “The idea of having an event where we would be forced to tell some of our members ‘not you’ is incompatible with our values.” The event will now be hosted at Rainbow Ranch in Groesbeck. John Anderson, founder of Gay Camping Friends, also criticized the campground’s decision. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about who defines community in queer spaces and whether exclusion can ever be justified.
