Trans Awareness Week

We believe that Arc’teryx can be a force for positive change. We create this change not only by improving the practices in our core operations, but by supporting projects and partners that align with our values.

In line with this year’s Trans Awareness Week (Nov 13-19), we’ve partnered with Arc’teryx Ambassador ClimbingQTs to profile a number of members from their TransQTs group.

TransQTs is a peer support network for trans and gender diverse outdoors enthusiasts to access the mental health and wellbeing benefits of rock climbing and nature based activities while building community connection. TransQTs is part of ClimbingQTs, an LGBTIQ+ rock climbing and social club and advocacy organisation.

TransQTs offers an informal peer support network and a series of monthly events specifically for trans and gender diverse (TDG) climbers. Everyone in the TGD community is welcome, all ages and all levels of fitness and experience. Joining the peer support network provides access to a private group on Facebook and WhatsApp to get involved in meet-ups and events.

Find out more: https://www.climbingqts.com/transqts

Bill (they/them)

Bill is a 27 year old student from Naarm (Melbourne) working in the arts industry. Bill has a keen interest in both bushwalking and climbing. Bill might be living in Naarm now but they were introduced to outdoor adventuring whilst on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara land (Sunshine Coast, Queensland).  

Whilst Bill loves both bushwalking and climbing they acknowledge that the activities give them different sense of accomplishment. Climbing on one hand fuels their adrenaline junkie side- a love of endorphins and the bulletproof feeling you get when your send your project has Bill coming back for more. Bushwalking on the other hand is a more paced activity, requiring meticulous planning but resulting in serene views.

Bill most recently, in between lockdowns, found themselves doing the Razorback to Mount Feathertop walk which turned into an epic undertaking as they battled car troubles, fierce weather conditions, a soggy overnight stay and a white out- not a view in sight! Whilst this might be disappointing for some Bill recounts the adventure as exhilarating, hilarious and topped off with pizza! 

Representation within the adventuring community is one way Bill would like to see the industry shift towards being more inclusive- sponsoring or employing athletes or community members from a diverse cross section of experiences and identities could be seen as sustainable investment in changing the face of the industry. Bill would also like to see the industry and the community begin to address the underlying barriers that prevent marginalised folk from participating in the outdoor community- likewise acknowledging the impact that colonial law and culture has had on Indigenous folk. Bill believes that upholding the values of the indigenous people of the unceded lands we conduct our business on necessitates actively addressing the underlying barriers that obstruct inclusion and equity for everyone.   

Jodie (she/her)

Jodie is a multisport athlete whose people are the Tatungalung people from the Gunai Kurnai Nations. When she’s not dancing, climbing, hiking or snowboarding you’ll find her studying a Bachelor of Science, drawing and working with the Fearless Movement Collective (tag). 

Jodie’s favourite form of outdoor adventuring is hiking and camping with an added element of adventure thrown in like diving, climbing, hunting or enduro motorcross! You’re most likely to find Jodie on Nagambie country, Traralgon or chasing powder at Thredbo. 

Jodie’s favourite Australian bound adventure took her 6,000 kilometres around Australia in an old land cruiser- from Cooktown to Melbourne she found herself sourcing food from the land and exploring roads less travelled. 

Jodie’s passion for the outdoors was instilled into her as a child with her father teaching her tracking and hunting skills from the age of 5. Jodie has had many opportunities to put these skills into practice including whilst working on a rural cattle station and making a mechanical Macgyver esque save in the middle of the desert! 

Unfortunately not all of Jodie’s experiences have been welcoming of LGBTIQA+ folk in the past. Nowadays the visibility of LGBTIQA+ folk, whether it be on the trail, at a crag or just in passing whilst travelling, warms Jodie’s heart to know that people are feeling comfortable to be themselves in the outdoor environment. 

Jodie would love to see outdoor companies move away from gendered descriptions or classifications for clothing- the discomfort that one feels when having to explain their gendered choice of clothing or gear should not be a barrier for participation and enjoyment. 

As someone who is Aboriginal and transgender, Jodie would love to see more collaboration between the two groups in the future- Jodie sees access to land and safety to be oneself as issues that both groups could unite on stronger footing together.