Fat and Outdoorsy: Jenny Bruso

Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers. Her work is rooted in her belief that there is room for every body on the trail. Jenny is queer, fat, and femme, and she's passionate about cultivating a safe space in the outdoors for people of all backgrounds and body sizes. Unlikely Hikers is just two years old, but its positive reception proves that the time is right for outdoor media and meetups that include rather than exclude, and encourage people to occupy their bodies rather than critique them. We talk with Jenny about Unlikely Hikers' growth, how straight-sized people can be considerate of others while in the outdoors, where she finds her hiking apparel, and more. Women featured in this episode: Jenny Bruso Hosted by Gale Straub Featured in the midroll: Kaily Gashi, hiker and mother of twins Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Jenny Bruso started Unlikely Hikers and what it means to be one How her time on the trail equates to self care How Unlikely Hikers group hikes intentionally cultivate a safe space for all people (including queer, trans, people of color, fat, disabled, etc.) Why Jenny's ground rules for hikes include not talking about weight or dieting The assumptions straight-sized people make about fat people on the trail (and how to avoid making them) Why representation of marginalized communities in the outdoor industry won't change unless those communities are included when decisions are being made The lack of options available for plus sized athletic clothing (and who is doing a good job) Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Vasque. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Jenny Bruso: Unlikely Hikers Instagram & Blog, JennyBruso.com Donate to Jenny Bruso Huffington Post article on Unlikely Hikers Unruly Bodies Essays Outside Online: "I don't hike to lose weight, I hike because I love it" Diversify Outdoors SHIFT Conference Melanin Basecamp Brown People Camping Brothers of Climbing Flash Foxy Vasque Kaily Gashi Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Lee Rosevere and Evan Schaeffer via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Feverkin.