On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132

Attacks targeting LGBTQ+ rights, and especially the rights of
transgender youth, are currently taking place in state
legislatures across the country. With bans on gender-affirming
care for trans youth and the country’s first drag ban, numbers of
anti-trans bills were recently introduced, with an alarming
number of bills advancing in states across the country.


 


Many of these bills also are aimed at preventing transgender
youth from participating in sports in ways that align with the
gender with which they identify. These recent attacks on the
trans community is an attack on human rights, and an attack on
our mission to build inclusive, equitable communities where
everyone can feel safe, feel like they belong, and ultimately,
thrive.


 


Today, I’m thrilled to welcome someone who is taking their
advocacy for trans rights across the country. Cal Dobbs is a
queer transgender ultra marathoner and long-distance hiker who is
running across America — from California to Florida — to fight
for inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to
gender-affirming healthcare. What was once a childhood dream to
run across the country is now a reality for Cal, but for
something way bigger than they had ever imagined.


 


Cal also is the first known trans person to achieve the triple
crown of hiking – that is, they thru-hiked the entire Appalachian
Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail –
so they are no stranger to extended adventures.


 


Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Cal’s
story, how you can follow their run, and how park and recreation
professionals can support this important mission. You’ll also
learn:


·       How Cal’s relationship with
physical activity and outdoor recreation began


·       What inspired Cal’s dream
to run across the country


·       How Cal plans to make
transformative connections with people across geographic,
political and ideological lines in order to make lasting
change


·       What kind of impact
anti-trans legislation has on the trans community, as well as
society as a whole


·       How park and recreation
professionals can ensure they are building safe, inclusive
communities where no one is excluded or required to face
additional rules or scrutiny to full participate, regardless of
gender.


·       The importance of community
care, and so much more!


Related Links:


Cal’s Website

Follow Cal on Instagram

Subscribe to Cal's YouTube Page

Become a Member of Cal’s Patreon

Support Cal’s Run and Documentary

Contribute to Equality Arizona Fundraiser

Outside Magazine: Cal “Starburst“ Dobbs Becomes the First
Reported Publicly Trans Triple Crowner