The climbing stories you hear at base camp or around a campfire just might save your life. That’s why it matters who gets to tell stories of danger, joy, and survival. Too often the loudest voices don’t look like us. But for Sachi Koide, Sof Petros, and Theresa Silveyra—three accomplished women and genderqueer climbers of color—mountaineering is more than technical knowledge. It’s about community, power and courage.
Read MoreTravel safety begins long before you board the plane. If you limit your planning to scrolling through TikTok for beautiful beaches or cozy coffee shops, you may be in for a surprise. It’s important to understand the cultural attitudes of your destination, especially toward race, gender, and sexuality. In some places, you may attract curious stares; in others, you could encounter microaggressions or discrimination.
Read MoreNicole Snell has a passion for sharing her love of solo travel with others. “I love the freedom of being outdoors,” said the lifelong backpacker. “ As a child being outside was safety for me — for others, it is their scary place.”
Read MoreIn the past year, I learned the importance of a good spotter. Having a good relationship with your spotter can give you the confidence to try difficult moves high off the ground.
Read MoreIn my experience as a Black woman, I feel significantly safer in the backcountry than I have ever felt in any populated area. I have had far more instances of feeling threatened by predatory humans than by predatory animals.
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