*MISFIT SHOWCASE*
. From a young age I was introduced to the outdoors, by my dad, naturally I fell in love. Hiking and camping are my main loves, then the passing of my dad in 2006 put that love for nature on hold, not sure if I'd ever find it again. Several years later and I rekindled that relationship with the outdoors. It's where I can peacefully and easily sort out my thoughts, where I go to rejuvenate, to relax, to talk with my dad, and to recollect myself. There's also been challenges out on the trails that made me feel unwelcomed. Possibly being female in a "male dominated" activity? Or being a POC in a "white dominated" activity? Either way, I still pushed and I will continue to push for my presence in the outdoors. I'll push pass the stares. I'll push pass the whispers. I'll push pass the unwelcoming. . Also if you want to get dolled up for the trails, then by all means, GO FOR IT! Tell 'em I said it” - Arianna (@himandcats) . Pronouns: She/Her . [Image Description: Arianna stands in front of a snowy landscape filled with pine trees. She's smiling and wearing wooden earrings and a green sweater, her long blue hair all around her.]
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*Misfit Showcase*
. “You’re hiking by yourself? You can’t do that. That’s not safe.” I’ve heard that statement way too many times, and it always frustrates me on multiple levels. I do most of my hiking by myself. In fact, my favorite hikes are typically the ones that I go on by myself - where I can just be alone with my thoughts. There’s truly something magical about it. Whenever I hear that statement, I wonder if they would say that if I was a guy hiking by myself. I doubt it since most of their concerns seem to be about strangers that I may come across on the trail, not about accidental injuries. I really find that to be unfortunate. When I’m on the trail, I often ponder the concept of “hiking anyway”. No matter how cold, rainy, muddy, icy, etc a trail has been, I’ve never regretted an opportunity to be outside. Because of that belief, I hike anyway. Being a woman isn’t going to stop me from enjoying the peacefulness of nature, so I hike anyway. Does that mean I’m oblivious to my surroundings? Not at all. I’m always aware, and though I’m well prepared in how to stay safe if I meet an unkind stranger on the trail, I’m more concerned about getting injured on the trail than rather than dealing with an unsafe situation just because I’m a woman. Years ago, I never would have considered hiking by myself as a form of rebellion, but maybe it is. Either way, I’m going to hike anyway. You should too. Be smart about it, but go enjoy the outdoors. You deserve to be there just as much as anyone else.” - Sadie (@islandgirltalk) . Pronouns: she/her . Sadie would like to give a shout-out to: I finished the 52 Hike Challenge for 2020 already, and I plan on doing it again next year. I also just completed the Hiker Babes Journey to 100. . [Image Description: Sadie stands in front of some dead, winter field vegetation in a grey t-shirt and dark "wing" glasses. She smiles, her hair in a brown bob with bangs] There's a lot of trans folks that follow Misfit Hikers. Transgender people face a lot of discrimination, particularly in hetero/cis, alpha white-male dominated outdoor world. . They face discrimination and hate - from access to housing and restrooms, to inadequate healthcare and hate-crime support. . In 1995, Tyra Hunter was in a car accident. And when the EMTS discovered she was trans, instead of helping her they called her derogatory names and refused to treat her. She was finally taken to a hospital, where the same held true. She died, suffocated to death. And it was completely preventable. She was murdered through inaction. Her death was a rallying cry that lead to significant change for transgender people in the healthcare world. (Not NEARLY enough, though). .
On June 6, 2020, President Trump signed an executive order revoking discrimination protections for transgender people seeking healthcare. It's to go in to effect mid-August. . This administration has actively and continuously sought to dismantle the protections and persecute those in the #PridePack. In the midst of a pandemic and in the wake of a better supported and acknowledged #blm movement, this executive order is particularly insensitive, damaging, and demonstrative of his agenda. How can those that are transgender feel safe in the outdoors, when they aren't safe on the street? . To my transgender followers, I'm sorry this is happening, and please know this is a safe, supportive space. You are important to the outdoors and your voices are heard here. If you need additional support during this time, there are many resources for you to take advantage of, these are just a few. If you aren't trans, but want to better support a transgender person in your life, here's a good place to start. If you have others, please feel free to comment below. *Misfit Showcase!* Misfit Showcase features stories, highlights, art, etc. of individuals who have a love of outdoor adventuring, but may not fit the "typical" outdoor mold. Read on to see how we're changing the outdoor narrative, one story at a time!
. I grew up very involved with the outdoors. I was in scouting and became an Eagle Scout. I enjoyed hiking, hunting, and anything that kept me outside. I even joined the Army and went into the Infantry. When I transitioned it was amazing to be able to live life as my authentic self but I was so worried that it would come with giving up so much that I loved. There still isn’t a ton of visibility of trans women, and when we are visible it’s usually not in an outdoor setting. It took me a little time to rediscover my passion for the outdoors but I’m so glad I did. -Chloe (@cenderton) . Pronouns: She/Her . Chloe would like to give a shout-out to the @VentureOutProject, where she'll be attending this fall to attend training to lead hikes with them! . Please feel free to share, and check out the blog (link in bio or linktr.ee/misfithikers) to read past showcases! . [Image Description: Chloe stands in front of a waterfall, against a railing, smiling, one arm outstretched and the other holding a little blond-haired girl, whose arms are also outstretched. Chloe wears sunglasses and a dark coat laced in hot pink, and the little girl wears a pink tutu and dark leggings, with an animal hat.] |
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