Finding gender equality and community in the outdoors — AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation

What do you do to fill your days? In my daily life, I spend a lot of time with my dog, Rocco. We like to walk and hike every day, and especially ride our bikes. In the winter, he spends more time relaxing by the fire while I go skiing in the local mountains. I fell in love with this sport a few years ago. I work at a bike and ski shop to support my endeavors and fuel my passion. When the snow inevitably melts, my focus switches to cycling and bikepacking. I'm no superhuman, so I relax by reading (the Fourth Wing trilogy, anyone?), watching shows, and recently trying my hand at crocheting.

What made you start your adventure? When I was a child, I really looked forward to the camping trips my family organized. Playing outside in the woods was and still is unparalleled. As a teenager, I started learning about all the possibilities and adventures and wanted to try them all. My passion first drew me to the whitewater scene, but I strayed from it after the youth kayaking course finished. Shortly after, my sister and I took a weekend off on our first backpacking trip to Sawtooth. I've been seeking non-stop adventure ever since I tried something new and saw what was possible.

What obstacles have you faced in pursuing the outdoors? Outdoor recreation is an interesting place for me to participate. As a passing cisgender person who is actually trans, it's an interesting mix of things going on. Being raised as a girl creates many internal and experiential barriers for me. Even as adults, we still have opportunities in a society that is largely divided by gender. For example, instead of learning how to tie a knot as a scout, I sold cookies. Despite my background, I acknowledge that I experience privilege as a white person. Therefore, stepping into a new situation is outwardly easier, since it does not cause unfair prejudice. Moving away from my childhood foundation, from today's perspective, my practical concern when participating in outdoor recreation is safety. Can I trust the people around me? Will I be safe? How can I get through this trip completely in stealth? I've learned things that help me travel, but I also hate some things I have to do, but I still get that anxiety every time I travel to the backcountry. I feel fear.