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The Sapphic Trampers started in 2002, when local lesbian woman Leah Knapp decided to create a social option for Perth women beyond the pub and club.
‘I realized I wanted to make some new friends but was completely intimidated by the bar scene,’ says Leah.
Drawing on her love of the bush, Leah advertised for a bushwalking group in Women Out West and word spread through the grapevine. For the next two years Leah planned events for the Trampers, coordinating with women by phone. However, as interest grew and the group expanded, Leah decided to form a volunteer group to ease with organising and planning activities. That group informally meets every November to plan the next calendar year of events for the group.
One of those organizers is Jude Comfort, who says she got involved with the Sapphic Trampers to share her passion for the outdoors with other women in the bush.
‘I’ve always loved the outdoors and getting out of the city, and I really enjoy doing that with lesbians,’ says Jude. ‘It’s really important that our community has things that are not just scene-based. For me it is a way to meet other women who are interested in outdoor things and to not feel that you are the only lesbian in the bush.’
Currently, the Sapphic Trampers meet once a month to undertake a wide variety of Perth’s activities. From Mandurah to the Swan Valley, these bush-lovin’ ladies cover Perth from the hills to the coast and the north to the south. In summer, most activities are, despite the group name, water-based to beat the heat, while in winter, as rains green up the hills, the women clap the dust clods from their boots and get walking.
Six years since the group started, new women are still joining the Trampers every month, with ten new women turning out last month to hike of a section of the Bibbulmun.
‘Last month was pretty memorable,’ says Jude Comfort. ‘The weather looked like it could be a bit dodgy, but the worst we had was the drive out from Armadale. We just had fantastic views across, even if it was a bit misty and damp. The season was just opening – everything was green and just beautiful.’
‘I know we’ve inspired lot of women to try new outdoors activities, things they might not do on their own,’ says Leah. ‘I got what I asked for out of the group in spades – most of my friends (as well as my partner) I have met through the Trampers. It’s a really important part of my life, and going on the results of a survey we ran last year, it is for a lot of other women too.’
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Tramp Along – On June 8, the Sapphic Trampers will have a cycle/walk in the Swan Valley, starting from the Lord Street entrance to Whiteman Park at 10am. Those cycling will go along the Swan Valley Food & Wine Trail for about 2 ½ hours with an option to visit the ‘On Your Bike’ exhibition at Revolutions Village. Those walking will do a 5km loop in Whiteman Park. For more information, contact Leah on leahk@westnet.com.au or 0429 699 474.
