In this episode of Black in Wild, I chat with a long time friend from my time working and living in Yosemite Valley, Justin Elkins. A self proclaimed lady of leisure and someone who likes to just exist in a space. 

Justin emphasizes that in the end it’s all about accessibility and the images that are perpetuated for given activities or places. Park accessibility goes beyond race, gender, or sexual orientation, classism and ableism play a major role as well. We can make national parks accessible for all it just takes some effort. The woods are for everybody!

According to Justin: the goal of pride is to advocate for freedom, dignity, respect and the right to live our lives safely. It does not just apply to queer people. If you have any power or privilege, it is a disservice not to use it. Justin has chosen to use the spotlight and attention gained from the Pride walks she leads in Yosemite as a platform to highlight other issues. In Justin’s words: “Pride can be a message bringer and a change maker....Pride is so much more than just a party.”

“National parks and the outdoors in general is a space for queer folks just as much as it is for anyone else. Nature is very gay. These spaces seem like they are not meant for queer people partially because they have not been able to access it like others have and have not welcome to access it because of gate keepers of nature.”

Thank you Justin for being you and bringing awareness to important issues effecting human rights. I found many parts of your personal story to be relatable and I’m sure others will too. 

Be sure to follow Justin Elkins on Instagram: @justinqueef

*Note: the perspectives and opinions stated in this episode and on this podcast are not representative of any agency or organization.

In this episode of Black in Wild, I share about my experiences with hiking and how that has evolved into backpacking. If it was not for trial and erroring, plus the kindness and patience of loved ones I would not be where I am today. Hiking has been a gateway to new opportunities and beginnings. Stay tuned for more episodes where I share about my experiences in outdoor recreation and the field of conservation. Be sure to check out the companion video on Youtube, a vlog from my last backpacking trip!

Have ideas on topics you'd like to hear covered on the podcast? Want to be a guest or know someone you recommend I feature? Reach out via email or on Instagram!

Podcast email address: [email protected]

Instagram: @blk.in.wild

Youtube: @blackinwild

*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent any agency or organization.

In this episode of Black in Wild, I pop in with a quick life update and message to let you know I and this podcast have not gone anywhere. This is the first of more new episodes to come.

Have ideas on what topics you'd like to hear covered on the podcast? Want to be a guest or know someone you recommend I feature? Reach out via email or on instagram!

Podcast email address: [email protected]

Instragram: @blk.in.wild

*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent any agency or organization.

In this episode of Black in Wild, I speak with my friend Khang who lives with a disability called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. I learn more about how Khang's community has shaped the way he views himself in the world and what he is capable of despite his condition. The people we surround ourselves with can truly impact what our experience is like. People with disabilities are all too often turned away. We need to give people a chance to learn and figure out their limits. Listen in as Khang shares how he has overcome the limitations some have tried to place on him through the support of community. Thanks Khang!

*Note: the opinions represented in this episode and on this podcast/channel do not represent any agency or organization.

In this episode I connect with a new yet dear friend Steve. And although we met through work, our friendship and bond has transcended that. Steve share about his ethnic heritage and what it has been like growing up in America as the child of Vietnamese immigrants. This episode is a reminder to live your truth. Show up authentically and unapologetically as someone who carries with them the intersectionality of many identities. And that although we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. Thanks Steve!

*Note: The opinions represented in this episode and on this podcast/channel do not represent any agency or organization.

In this episode of Black in Wild, I have a conversation with my friends Brittney and Jamaal about how their family got involved in recreating in the outdoors. During the pandemic Brittney encouraged her family to get outside. For both Brittney and Jamaal this was somewhat uncharted waters for them and their family. Representation really does matter. It can change your experience and perspective when you see someone else who looks like you in a position or in places where it is uncommon. Another takeaway from our discussion is that anything you’re interested in that might seem intimidating at first can become more accessible than you think. All it takes is to become more knowledgeable and to just try. Growth comes from being uncomfortable. And spending time outside is healing for everyone, and studies have proven this fact.

Follow along in their adventures on instagram @blkpplneedsunscreentoo

*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent other agencies or organizations.

In this episode of Black in Wild, I have a conversation with my friend Karla that I met through my work on the non-profit side of conservation. During our discussion we highlight the ways people can connect with the outdoors, how the culture in these spaces can feel exclusive at times, and what her experience has been like as a first generation Mexican American. 

Leave no trace aka LNT is mentioned in the episode. For more information check out the Leave No Trace website. The seven principles are:

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of others.

*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent other agencies or organizations.

In this episode of Black in Wild, I connect with my sibling on our shared and similar experiences living/working/playing in the outdoors. For us it is rare to find bipoc folks in the outdoors, let alone other black siblings. Listen in as we reminisce on what brought us to working and living in National Parks, our thoughts on the lack of diversity in the outdoors, and more!

Representation matters! Which is why I decided to create this channel/show or whatever this ends up turning into. This will be the first of many videos focusing on topics related to underrepresented voices in outdoor spaces, conservation, and/or in public lands.