Inclusion, Access, and Intersectionality in the Outdoors: A Rock Climbing Case Study of the Salt Lake Area Queer Climbers (SLAQC) Organization

Abstract

Summary In this case study, we explore our experiences as three of the co-organizers of the Salt Lake Area Queer Climbers (SLAQC) organization, a rock climbing queer advocacy organization based in Salt Lake City. Matty is a queer, cisgender white man, Lea is a queer/pansexual Latina, and Rue is a queer Chinese-American. All of us have been climbing for several years, and Lea and Matty were both active in the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance organization, as well. Utah is a predominantly white, conservative, and religious state, and in spite of obstacles, we have created a homeplace for queer climbers. Our organization breaks down access barriers, gear barriers, and more through partnerships with local gyms, local climbing affinity groups such as Color the Wasatch, gear organizations, and queer climbing guides. In this case study, we explore best practices that we utilize to frame our events and our community outreach, rooted within principles of intersectionality, and reflect upon the 1-year anniversary of SLAQC. Information © CAB International 2024