What do we mean by diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility? How often are we faced with the truth that systemic issues are constantly present within the work we do? I realize now what we mean by DEIA isn’t as clear as it seems. The systemic issues present in my work in conservation education and interpretive services is analyzed through an environmental feminist intersectional lens. Aspects of gender, race, class, ethnicity, status, caste, sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc., show up in the outdoors both visibly and invisibly. It’s easy to assume that all people enjoy being in the outdoors, but we always overlook the barriers people face to get there. To believe there is a universal hiker, biker, swimmer, runner, is devaluing and dehumanizing whole human beings who have a unique perspective within the systems we live in.

The uniqueness and authenticity of a black woman holds the truth that black women belong. The uniqueness and authenticity of an indigenous person holds the truth that indigenous people belong. The uniqueness and authenticity of a disabled person holds the truth that all disabilities belong. The uniquenss and authenticity of those from immigrant backgrounds holds the truth that all walks of life belong. We can force DEIA principles in the work force, but we can’t force  uniqueness and authenticity. To believe there is a perfect outdoor recreator is to dismiss the stories that make up the whole spirit of the outdoors and how inequities are present in the lives of those we care to serve. DEIA helps and benefits everyone, even if our stories are not universal, our lives hold both sacredness and beauty. By not recognizing our uniqueness and authenticity, we are doing ourselves a disservice to our communities. There is something incredibly powerful about diversity holding space for agency, transformation, accountability, storytelling, and perseverance.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with students who come from different backgrounds and experiences. Each of their stories holding power and offering reflexivity into their world. The stories I’ve had the honor to listen to and witness during this internship is my testimony that we need to continue to shift the narrative. To assume that people of color don’t access the outdoors dismisses their identity and connection to Nature. All people of color, and historically marginalized groups deserve to recreate safely, and access the outdoors nondiscriminatory. Reimaging recreation is reimaging ourselves in the most authentic way possible. The only way we can reimagine ourselves is by fully embracing all the parts of our shared humanity. We need to start seeing each other as we are, increase diversity in leadership, listen to each other’s stories, and meet the needs of all people in the recreation space for all future generations to come.