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On Narwhal Divers journeys, LGBT people can meet others who share their interests and enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. “It’s just such a relief to be able to be fully yourself and not have to worry how people on the boat will react,” Kowell says. “And to not be the only LGBT person there.” DIVING FOR DIVERSITY Kowell, a proud trans and queer person, brings the spirit of community organizing to underwater adventures among the sharks and coral reefs. He launched his Cincinnati high school’s Gay Straight Alliance club; then, after moving to SF, he worked with LGBT organizations, including Folsom Street Events, Eros, and SF Pride, before landing a position with Trans: Thrive, which lasted fourteen years. Kowell has been a lifelong ocean-lover. For his eighteenth birthday, his parents gave him scuba lessons, and he
o Niko Kowell, the sea belongs to a colorful and diverse community of life—including an inclusive group of human divers. As founder of San Francisco’s (SF) Narwhal Divers, Kowell combines both of his passions: scuba diving and serving the LGBT community. A narwhal looks like a small whale with a horn and is called the “unicorn of the sea.” Kowell chose them as a mascot because unicorns are sometimes an icon for the LGBT community and people who are unique. Narwhal Divers asserts on social media that their goal is to build a queer, and particularly trans, community around diving. This amazing community has snorkeled around Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Carmel/Monterey, and other North American locations. They also explore the ecology of sea life through trips to aquariums and museums.
Niko Kowell, founder of San Francisco’s (SF) Narwhal Divers
“I’d like to figure out how to better bring the healing power of water to my community,” Kowell says. “Whether that’s for physical disabilities or trauma or PTSD or mental health.”
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