Have you ever felt out of place in the great outdoors? Like you didn’t quite fit the mold of the “typical” hiker or outdoor enthusiast? You’re not alone. For many, the outdoor recreation scene can feel exclusive, lacking the diversity and inclusivity it should embody. But there’s a shift happening. This blog post explores how organizations and individuals are working to diversify the outdoors, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and empowered to connect with nature. We’ll highlight groups like Unlikely Hikers, EDGE Outdoors, and Disabled Hikers, showcasing how they’re making a real difference.
The Lack of Diversity in Outdoor Spaces: Why It Matters 🔗
For years, the image of an “outdoorsy person” has been narrowly defined, often excluding people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and those who don’t fit conventional body types. This lack of representation can create significant barriers to entry, as many feel unwelcome or fear judgment. This isn’t just a matter of fairness; it limits perspectives and hinders a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Why Inclusive Outdoor Spaces Matter: Benefits of Diversity 🔗
Creating diverse and inclusive outdoor communities is not just about fairness; it’s about enriching the experience for everyone. When people from different backgrounds come together to enjoy nature, they bring unique perspectives, knowledge, and experiences that can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Moreover, it fosters a sense of belonging and promotes mental well-being for individuals who might otherwise feel excluded.
Unlikely Hikers: A Body-Positive Movement Redefining the Trail 🔗
One organization leading the charge in diversifying the outdoors is Unlikely Hikers, founded by Jenny Bruso. Jenny, a self-identified queer, fat, femme individual, noticed the lack of diversity on the trails and wanted to create a space where people like her could feel safe and welcome. Unlikely Hikers is more than just a hiking group; it’s a body-positive movement challenging conventional notions of who belongs in nature.
Creating Space for Connection: Building a Supportive Community 🔗
“I knew I was having a relationship with the outdoors that I wasn’t seeing mirrored anywhere else,” Jenny explains. Unlikely Hikers has grown into an international community of over 140,000 like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, offering meetups, guided hikes, and a supportive social media presence. They provide a vital sense of community for individuals who may have felt isolated in traditional outdoor settings.
Overcoming Barriers: Addressing Fear and Judgment 🔗
Many people struggle to find their way into outdoor recreation due to the fear of being mistreated for simply existing as they are. Unlikely Hikers addresses this by creating an anti-racist, body-positive space where folks can enjoy the outdoors free of judgment. This includes actively addressing microaggressions and promoting respectful interactions within the group.
Partnering for Inclusivity: Gear for Every Body 🔗
Jenny has also partnered with several brands to design inclusive gear, such as plus-sized packs with Gregory and shoes with extended sizing options by Merrell, ensuring that people of all body types have access to quality equipment. This addresses a significant barrier: the lack of readily available and affordable gear for diverse body types.
Supporting Indigenous Communities: Acknowledging Land and History 🔗
Understanding the history of the land is a priority for Jenny. Unlikely Hikers donates to the First Nations of the land where they host group hikes, acknowledging the violence and trauma associated with the land and Indigenous communities. This demonstrates a commitment to decolonizing the outdoors and promoting environmental justice.
EDGE Outdoors: Creating Opportunities in Snow Sports for BIWOC 🔗
Annette Diggs founded EDGE Outdoors to create opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) to participate in snow sports. Growing up without access to outdoor recreation, Annette experienced firsthand the barriers that many communities face. EDGE Outdoors is changing the landscape of snow sports by providing access and empowerment to those who have historically been excluded.
Building Community on the Slopes: Access and Opportunity 🔗
EDGE Outdoors provides access and opportunities for BIWOC folks to get into snow sports, offering avalanche education courses, intro to the backcountry courses, athlete development programs, and instructor training, with accompanying scholarship opportunities. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple barriers, from financial constraints to lack of experience.
Prioritizing Safety and Empowerment: A Safe Space for Women of Color 🔗
Annette’s priority is on women and femme-identifying people, providing a safe and welcoming space for them to learn and build community. Recognizing the unparalleled levels of violence that Women of Color face, EDGE Outdoors aims to create a supportive environment where they can thrive. This focus on safety and empowerment is crucial for creating lasting change.
Disabled Hikers: Advocating for Accessibility in Outdoor Spaces 🔗
Syren Nagakyrie, founder of Disabled Hikers, is another prominent voice in the movement to diversify the outdoors. Syren has a lifetime of experience navigating the world through the lens of disability and chronic illness, and they have found both exclusion and comfort in outdoor spaces. Disabled Hikers is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
Addressing Access Issues: Breaking Down Physical and Attitudinal Barriers 🔗
Syren noticed prevalent issues such as access barriers, lack of reliable information, and gatekeeping, which led them to create the online community and non-profit organization, Disabled Hikers. They advocate for improved trail design, accessible facilities, and a shift in attitudes towards disability in the outdoors.
The Disabled Hiker’s Guide: A Practical Resource for Accessible Adventures 🔗
Syren’s book, The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon, details hikes from the disabled hiker’s perspective, providing valuable information on accessibility and addressing a wide range of access needs and abilities. This guide is an invaluable resource for disabled hikers and those seeking to create more accessible outdoor experiences.
Improving Outdoor Culture: Challenging Ableism and Colonialism 🔗
“We need a massive shift in outdoor culture, in the mindset of people, and the way we think about the outdoors and really challenging the ableism and colonialism that is inherent in outdoor culture,” Syren states. This call to action highlights the need for systemic change to create a truly inclusive outdoor community.
Top Organizations Promoting Diversity Outdoors: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Disabled Groups 🔗
Besides the organizations highlighted above, numerous other groups and initiatives are working to make the outdoors more inclusive. Here are a few examples:
- Diversify Outdoors: A coalition connecting leaders working to promote diversity in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education.
- Melanin Base Camp: An online platform showcasing BIPOC adventurers and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces.
- Flash Foxy: A company committed to making the outdoors more accessible for women and genderqueer folks, particularly in trail running.
- Huellas Latinas: A blog and hiking club created by Luisana Mendez to inspire the Latinx community to explore the outdoors.
- Alpine Parrot: A clothing brand creating outdoor apparel for a wider range of body sizes and shapes.
Actionable Steps for Promoting Diversity in the Outdoors: How You Can Help 🔗
So, what can you do to help diversify the outdoors? Here are a few actionable steps:
- Support diverse organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like Unlikely Hikers, EDGE Outdoors, and Disabled Hikers.
- Amplify diverse voices: Share content from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled outdoor enthusiasts on social media.
- Advocate for accessibility: Support efforts to make trails and outdoor spaces more accessible to people of all abilities. Contact your local parks department and advocate for accessible trail improvements.
- Challenge stereotypes: Speak out against stereotypes and biases in the outdoor community.
- Be inclusive: Make an effort to welcome and include people from diverse backgrounds in your outdoor activities. Consider joining an inclusive hiking group near you.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the history and experiences of marginalized communities in the outdoors. Read books and articles by diverse authors and creators.
The Future of Diversity Outdoors: A More Welcoming and Equitable Community 🔗
The movement to diversify the outdoors is gaining momentum, and there is reason to be optimistic about the future. By continuing to support inclusive organizations, amplify diverse voices, and challenge systemic barriers, we can create a more welcoming and equitable outdoor community for everyone. The future of the outdoors depends on our collective commitment to inclusivity.
Conclusion 🔗
Creating a diverse and inclusive outdoor community is essential for ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature and experience its benefits. Organizations like Unlikely Hikers, EDGE Outdoors, and Disabled Hikers are leading the way, but it’s up to all of us to do our part. By supporting their efforts and taking action in our own communities, we can help build a more welcoming and equitable outdoor world for all.
FAQ About Diversity Outdoors 🔗
- Why is diversity in the outdoors important? Diversity in the outdoors enriches experiences, promotes understanding, and ensures everyone has access to nature’s benefits.
- What are some barriers to diversity in outdoor recreation? Barriers include lack of representation, fear of judgment, access issues, and systemic biases.
- How can I support diversity in the outdoors? You can support diversity by donating to inclusive organizations, amplifying diverse voices, advocating for accessibility, and challenging stereotypes.
- What is Unlikely Hikers? Unlikely Hikers is a body-positive hiking group that creates a safe and welcoming space for plus-size and marginalized individuals to explore the outdoors.
- What does EDGE Outdoors do? EDGE Outdoors provides opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) to participate in snow sports and outdoor activities.
- Who is Syren Nagakyrie? Syren Nagakyrie is the founder of Disabled Hikers, an organization that advocates for accessibility and inclusion for disabled individuals in the outdoors.
- What is the Disabled Hiker’s Guide? The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon is a book by Syren Nagakyrie that details accessible hikes from the disabled hiker’s perspective.
- How can I make my outdoor activities more inclusive? You can make your activities more inclusive by welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, being mindful of accessibility, and challenging stereotypes.
- What are some resources for learning more about diversity in the outdoors? Resources include the websites and social media accounts of organizations like Diversify Outdoors, Melanin Base Camp, and Unlikely Hikers. You can also search for local inclusive outdoor groups near you.
- How can I get involved in promoting diversity in my local outdoor community? You can get involved by volunteering with local organizations, attending community events, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices. Look for opportunities to partner with local schools and community centers to introduce outdoor activities to diverse groups.