The Wild Wanderer Spotlight Series highlights the stories of queer adventurers in their own words, and we hope that by sharing these underrepresented voices, true diversity and inclusion will begin to make their way into the mainstream.
Wild Wanderer Spotlight: Court
“I think it’s really important for the LGBT+ community to be intentional about including BIPOC in their spaces and initiatives. I’ve noticed this more in recent years and I’m happy to see it happening but there is still work to do to make the LGBT+ community more inclusive as well.” – Court
What are your pronouns?
She/her
How do you identify?
Lesbian
What outdoor activities are you involved in?
Hiking, running, walking and more recently biking.
Tell us about a favorite/memorable outdoor adventure you’ve had:
My trip to Mount Rainier in 2019 was one of the best hiking experiences I’ve had so far. I only got to be at the park for one day and did not get to explore as much as I would have liked but it was still an amazing experience. The first trail I went on was cold and windy, so my friend and I decided to turn back and go to another part of the park. The second trail was beautiful, warm and sunny. I was so surprised by the stark contrast between the two trails and that just being on a different side of the mountain could change the entire scenery and climate. I really enjoyed everything about my visit and as soon as I arrived I knew I wasn’t going to be there long enough. Next time I take a trip there I plan on staying at least a few days and exploring many more trails.
In your opinion, what are the most important challenges/issues facing queer people outside?
I think the most important challenge/issue for queer people in the outdoors is safety. I think for myself, as a queer woman, being in remote places or in rural areas can feel uncomfortable or unsafe, especially traveling solo. I’ve never had any issues with this, but it is almost always in the back of my mind and can sometimes stop me from letting my guard down.
As an LGBTQIA+ person, if you could change one thing about the outdoor industry, what would it be?
If I was able to change one thing about the outdoor industry it would be to make it more visibly inclusive. I would like to see more people like me in outdoor spaces; people from all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, and physical abilities outside and on the trails.
Do you have anything else to add?
I think it’s really important for the LGBT+ community to be intentional about including BIPOC in their spaces and initiatives. I’ve noticed this more in recent years and I’m happy to see it happening but there is still work to do to make the LGBT+ community more inclusive as well. I’m happy I have the opportunity to share my experience with Wild Wanderer and hope to encourage other LGBTQ BIPOC to claim the outdoors as their own.
Connect with Court
Follow Court on Instagram.
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