[HitTheTrail]

I got an email from the WTA that contained a link to an information survey they wanted members to complete. Two of the questions were asking about your race and sexual orientation. WTF! I suppose if you are trying to reach minority youth it might help to know what your race is but…..your sex preferences??? What could that possibility have to do with getting out or keeping trails open? I think that organization is losing its way. I may have to re-think my membership support.

[puzzlr]

Did you miss the part that said it was anonymous info? Or maybe don't you trust them about that.

[HitTheTrail]

[MtnGoat]

Even as anonymous info, it's stupidity cubed. Don't give them a hand in enabling the ongoing tribalization of society into groups where value and status is defined by race, sex, etc.

[trestle]

It makes sense if the survey is being put forth by the group responsible for trip planning, particularly if they've been tasked with providing preference-specific activities for the members. With all the loudmouths running around these days, it's easy to see why some would want to ensure isolation from said loudmouths.

[MtnGoat]

Heck, it's impossible to guarantee that!

[ejain]

It's obvious, isn't it? They're looking for funding to cover our trails with rainbow-colored gravel.

[christensent]

It's conceivable that it is useful information... I don't know what the survey contained, but if they for example learned that 95% of gay people feel attacked by their sexual orientation as a result of WTA crew behavior, that would be a very valuable piece of information that could lead to actionable and favorable changes (I'm by no means suggesting that this is likely the case, just that it is one completely fictional but plausible finding as a result of asking for sexual orientation).

[Backpacker Joe]

Political correctness and our brain damaged society!

[Tom_Sjolseth]

There have been long-standing movements to forget the differences between us all and to highlight our similarities and enforce the fact that we're all equal, yet differences between us are constantly being highlighted. It's quite the paradox.

[Kim Brown]

Typically a survey has a preamble about the survey and what they are seeking formation for. What does it say? That might help. Most surveys are about learning more about who their members are so they can better serve everyone. I’m no communications expert – I cuss too much and am too blunt, and I hate the word “amazing” – and I don’t know how messaging to the LBGT community might be any different from generic messaging. But they may target some messaging issues, or reach out to communities they didn’t realize were a large part of WTA membership, and ask for more involvement. I assure everyone; it is not about WTA crew leaders hassling or potentially hassling the LBGT community or stalking youth on trails and work parties. Like any organization, WTA wishes to grow and understand it's membership and potential membership.

[Chico]

Race would be useful as it's a know fact a lot of non-whites don't hike or camp.

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[n16ht5]

Its a liberal NGO what did you expect?

[Voxxjin]

I never answer those kinds of questions on surveys or application forms or whatnot. Unless I think that it is important information that is needed for whatever, I will not answer it. And in this case, I wouldn't answer those questions. Why? because my sexual orientation and race should matter for hiking. But then again it is an information survey. fill out what you want. It's not mandatory to take the survey.