Like travel, the outdoor industry is traditionally white and male-dominated. This is not to say that marginalized groups have not been recreating outdoors, but that the power-holding narrative overlooks these adventurers. The outdoor industry has been commodified and gentrified, leaving many to assume that one requires expensive equipment, ample time, and experience to recreate in the ways displayed in mainstream media. These outdoor Instagram accounts (along with their respective blogs/websites) are breaking down this dominating narrative by centering the voices of marginalized groups and reminding us that there are important stories which require our utmost attention and action.
@melaninbasecamp
Melanin Base Camp is an online site dedicated to diversifying ethnic representation in outdoor adventure sport. Their blog features articles and essays written by people who are challenging white-dominated outdoor narratives while celebrating their own ancestry and relationship to natural spaces.
Founder Danielle Williams states that the goal of Melanin Base Camp is “to increase the visibility of outdoorsy black, indigenous, people of color, to increase our representation in the media, advertising, and in the stories we tell ourselves about the Outdoors.”
Follow on Instagram for article previews and features from other outdoor explorers and athletes.
@she_explores
She Explores hosts an online site and podcast dedicated to “Inquisitive Women in the outdoors and the Stories, Art, and Connection Nature Inspires.” Some of their podcast episodes cover topics such as women’s presence on the Appalachian trail, climate policy and advocacy, women of color in the outdoor industry, intersectionality, mental health, and plant-based living. Follow their instagram account to be inspired by and support the stories of some badass outdoorsy women from all over the globe!
@pattiegonia
Pattie Gonia is a drag queen who is bringing intersectional environmentalism, allyship, and resistance against all forms of toxicity in the outdoor industry to the forefront of their work. Follow their instagram account for educational posts, calls to action, stunning drag, and a lot of fun. You can also subscribe to their mailing list for updates on events and group hikes or check out their Youtube channel for some fabulous music videos.
@outdoorafro
Outdoor Afro is dedicated to “celebrat[ing] and [inspiring] Black connections and leadership in nature.” Based in Oakland, Outdoor Afro was founded over a decade ago and has been mobilizing leaders all over the U.S. since, facilitating events connecting Black people to outdoor recreational opportunities and pushing for climate justice. Visit their website to get connected to Outdoor Afro’s program opportunities in your area, or to find out how you can support their work.
@nativesoutdoors
Native Outdoors is an online shop and blog dedicated to “Empowering Native and Indigenous communities through [their] products and storytelling for a sustainable world.” Native Outdoors has an ethical and sustainable shop for outdoor gear such as chalk bags for climbers, athletic tees, hats, beanies, and stickers. They are also running a fundraiser that supplies aid to Native American tribes in the United States who are suffering disproportionately from the effects of COVID-19. Their blog, the Temoa Journal, covers topics such as Indigenous origins of skiing, educational reading lists, relationship between Indigenous communities and public lands, climate change, and Indigenous storytelling. Follow their instagram to witness and learn about the power of Indigenous communities who are fighting for their right to explore ancestral lands and practice radical joy.
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These are just a few accounts, but there are SO many people out there doing the hard work of challenging the predominantly exclusive narrative of the outdoor industry. As always, please honor and respect the sacred spaces these accounts and organizations are holding for people on and offline.
What are your favorite outdoor accounts? Share with us below!
