Inclusivity in the Outdoors
Reading Time: 5 min
Outdoor recreation is my source of calm, mental health, motivation, social connection, and replenishment. I didn’t grow up with access to forests or mountains or rivers, but I escaped to the Pacific Northwest as soon as I was old enough to buy my own Greyhound ticket. I spent my first summer as an adult working at a summer camp east of Seattle. Engulfed in a sea of ferns and various stages of living and rotting wood, I fell in love. Over the years I’ve explored many ways to spend time in the forest - hiking, swimming, biking, paddling, fishing, and foraging, among others.
Recently in my journey I realized that I’ve had to give up parts of myself to get to where I am. I didn’t show up and cut my teeth in the outdoors as a queer and trans person - I did it as a regular dude, which is all that I felt there was space for in action sports at the time. I’m not alone in this moment of reckoning - the outdoor industry as a whole has slowly been coming around to the realization that it is not an inclusive place. As someone who has pieced together a career in this industry and spends an inordinate amount of time outside as both an expert and a marginalized identity, I’ve been on both ends of the problem.
It’s one thing to recognize a problem, it’s quite another to identify solutions. The good news is that it’s far simpler than our brains want to make it. If you want to help make the outdoors a more inclusive space, here are some actionable steps that you can take.
BE CURIOUS
Question your assumptions and beliefs. The “right” or “normal” way to do things often serves a specific identity while actively or passively excluding others. If you feel safe hiking alone, peeing in the woods, or being approached by unfamiliar dogs - ask yourself why. Why might others not? This is the first step in recognizing the inequities we passively perpetuate and making space for other experiences.
SAY HI
A simple hello, wave, or smile goes a long way toward creating a welcoming space. It can be easy to get stuck in our own worlds when we’re out recreating, but one of the joys of being outside is connecting with others. Even a brief moment of eye contact can flood your brain with positive chemicals - and who doesn’t like feeling good?
SPEAK PLAINLY
In action sports, we love jargon. Boof, pow, gnar, bonk, booter, chunder. What does it all mean? For someone new to the sport, probably nothing. Slang can feel alienating to the uninitiated, so be mindful of who’s around and look for opportunities to define words and phrases.
BE A GOOD AMBASSADOR
Even if you consider yourself a beginner, it’s likely that someone is looking at you and thinking “that person knows what they’re doing.” If you see someone that looks lost or in need of help, offer assistance. Offer to take someone out for the first time, loan them some equipment, or help them navigate the complex world of gear selection. Don’t forget to introduce people - making connections builds community!
APPRECIATE
Gratitude is the antidote to entitlement. Our recreation destinations are shared spaces among different user groups and species, and they were occupied by indigenous people long before we came along. Be mindful of the complexities and rich histories of the lands you play in, and recognize that access is a privilege.
Implementing some of these habits can go a long way toward making the outdoors a more inviting space for everyone, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have other tips for promoting inclusivity in the outdoors, please share them in the comments!
