Initiative Goals
The OiTF Initiative seeks to make LGBTQIA+ TWS members more visible so that we can support and mentor each other, and work with our allies to foster a more inclusive, welcoming culture where diversity of all kinds is embraced. OiTF has three simple goals:
- Increase visibility of LGBTQIA+ wildlifers in TWS,
- Build a community of LGBTQIA+ wildlifers, and
- Identify ways to support LGBTQIA+ wildlifers, including students, in the wildlife profession.
Connect with OiTF
You can stay engaged with the initiative with the following links:
- Join our email list where we share information about upcoming events and new resources.
- Follow us on Instagram or X
- Join our Discord Channel
Support OiTF
You can support the initiative by visiting our online store or donating here.
OiTF Organizers
The initiative is led by a group of TWS members and wildlife biologists from across North America. Reach out to the co-organizers with any questions you have about the initiative.
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Travis Booms (he/him) Main point of contact |
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Colleen Olfenbuttel (she/her) Secondary point of contact |
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Katie O’Donnell (she/her) Secondary point of contact |
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Liz Hilliard (she/her) liz@wildlandsnetwork.org |
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Silas Fischer (they/them) silasfisc@gmail.com |
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Adam Janke (he/him) ajanke@iastate.edu |
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Andy Tri (he/him) andrew.tri@state.mn.us |
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Alan Harrington (he/him) |
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Carter Freymiller (he/him) |
OiTF History
The Out in the Field Initiative was formed in 2019, following the publication of the article titled “I am one of you: A gay wildlife biologist’s perspective on our profession” by Travis Booms. That article helped other queer wildlife biologists find one another and agree to start something new. That fall, at the annual conference of The Wildlife Society in Reno, Nevada, they launched the Out in The Field Initiative! Since then, more queer wildlife biologists have joined the initiative in a variety of ways to find community and help others thrive.
