Diversity in the Outdoors

Diversity, Equity, & Inlusion in the Outdoors

We frequently think of the outdoors as a place where all barriers come down, or nature as the ultimate equalizer. However, how can this be true if all people, especially black and brown folx, don't feel safe in our outdoor spaces or see similar faces in outdoor jobs? 

Resources

Throughout history, the outdoor industry has frequently centered white, male identities. The voices of people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community and so many more have been stifled by oppressive systems for centuries. Deeper understanding, education, and allyship is much needed to move forward towards effective change. 

Below is a compiled list of resources focused on further understanding white privilege, the lack of diversity in the outdoors, and how to be more inclusive in the environmental world. It includes books, articles, documentaries, and organizations focused on underrepresented groups and how to move towards a more diverse and inclusive outdoor industry. 

The Reality 

• The conservation movement and establishment of the natural park system has a hidden history of ethnic cleansing and segregation 

  • "As the focus shifted from preservation to recreation, so did the image of the natives from rightful land dwellers to an obstacle demanding removal for the sake of a conservation aesthetic – lands devoid of inhabitants, set aside purely for temporary enjoyment" (Walrath, 2019)

  • "Discriminatory and exclusionary practices go back generations and have long constrained people of color in their efforts to visit parks or engage in various forms of public recreation. Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many people of color were legally barred from, or segregated at, public recreational sites, including national and state parks (Shumaker 2009; Lee and Scott 2016)" (Scott and Jerry Lee, 2018)

• There is a lack of media representation of marginalized identities in the outdoor realm 

  • "But while people of color are active outdoor enthusiasts, they remain underrepresented within the ranks of outdoor brands and retailers, and have been noticeably absent from many marketing initiatives, creating a notion that enjoying Mother Nature is not for them" (Verry, 2019)

This is just a brief overview, the resources below dive much deeper into these issues. 

Please keep in mind this list of resources is just a small start. There are countless others. It is imperative we all take the time to reflect and educate ourselves on these issues with our own research.