The Wild Wanderer Spotlight Series highlights the stories of queer adventurers in their own words. We hope that by sharing these underrepresented voices, true diversity and inclusion will begin to make their way into the mainstream.
Wild Wanderer Spotlight: Sage
“Nature is very healing and yet very few of us are fortunate enough to have access to those green spaces. I’d like to see companies start to aid individuals with accessibility hurdles…” – Sage
What are your pronouns?
He/They
How do you identify?
Transmasculine
What outdoor activities are you involved in?
Hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing
Tell us about a favorite/memorable outdoor adventure you’ve had:
I will never forget the amazing individuals and all the fun that was shared by those who joined us on an annual backpacking trip up Mount Washington. The weather wasn’t the greatest as it was wet and cold with no views (typical New England) but the folks, food, and comradery made up for it!
In your opinion, what are the most important challenges/issues facing queer people outside?
Safety. It’s hard enough to navigate the world feeling 100% safe at all times being trans and/or visibly queer. When recreating alone or in small groups away from any support system or cell phone service, it can be scary and so mentally taxing that it takes away from the relaxing, grounding aspect of nature. I struggle with that thought. As we work daily to try to bring awareness to LGBTQ identities in the outdoors, just know there are entities out there who align with your identity and can help you start to explore your outdoor desires and empower you to get outside.
As an LGBTQ+ person, if you could change one thing about the outdoor industry, what would it be?
One thing I would change is accessibility. Nature is very healing and yet very few of us are fortunate enough to have access to those green spaces. I’d like to see companies start to aid individuals with accessibility hurdles a means to find ways to get outside or to begin the empowerment and education process to work towards getting outside. Examples of hurdles being: gear, location, transportation, lack of education, etc. If they’d like to see new customers to keep their business strong they need to acquire a diverse customer base and they can do so by addressing those hurdles.
Anything else to add?
2020’s been a weird year y’all. Hang in there, try to get some fresh air between mask wears if you can but remember to wash those hands and wear your masks.
Connect with Sage
Follow Sage on Instagram.
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