Written by Hailey McFelia
This month we are diving into Hispanic Heritage month by taking a look at our climbing community. There are a few affinity groups who are helping “climbers of color unite!” They’re not just helping build recognition, but getting people the tools they need to get outside and climb! Lagartijas and Escalemos are two groups that you may have seen around collaborating with Sender One on events & the Send With Mi Gente Meetups! Lagartijas is a climbing crew created by "people of the global majority" (meaning people with Latin American, Indigenous, Asian, or African descent). Lagartijas created a gear library to help make essential items more accessible to their community members. Escalemos is a group that specializes in Latin representation in climbing and outdoor spaces. They do this by guiding outside at local crags. Which is another useful tool for building up these affinity groups as well as their goal for Hispanic representation in the climbing community.
I sat down with Andrea from Lagartijas to chat with her about her experience leading with Lagartijas:
Can you share with us a meaningful story that came about from a Lagartijas event or meetup?
"It's really hard to pinpoint one exact moment. We just had our three year anniversary and had a huge party. I won’t lie, I was a little worried about turnout because it was a holiday weekend and a few friends had already told me they weren't going to be able to make it. In the end, we had over 150 people show up to celebrate. It was so amazing to hear the stories of people's first meetups and the friendships that they made. I think I cried a few times that night. It feels so amazing that I've been part of this organization that has brought so many people together."
What is your dream goal or event for Lagartijas?
"I would love to have a BIPOC centered climbing Festival in California. We have so many world-class crags and it would be amazing to bring more people that look like you and I to these corners of California."
Are orange pants the best pant color?
"If you don't own orange pants you are absolutely missing out! I think I currently have at least three pairs."
*If you haven’t had the pleasure of climbing with Andrea you may not know this, but girl always be wearing orange pants.
Do you have a call to action for the climbing community or local climbing gyms?
"To me it's all about accessibility. I've seen some gyms have amazing policies and it makes me wonder why others can't do the same. For example, my new home gym here in San Luis Obispo offers free day passes for anyone with a tribal card as well as discounted memberships for anyone who is part of the local affinity groups."
I am someone who is VERY white passing and I’m always nervous to join groups like Lagartijas based on the way I look despite the fact I am Mexican. I know that other people in my situation also feel this way, but what is your take on this topic?
"I'm not here to tell people what they are and what they aren't. To me Lagartijas is all about creating a safe space for people and having a community where you can be yourself."
How can climbing gyms do better to support Lagartijas and other affinity groups?
"Offering affinity group specific clinics and classes at a discounted rate will definitely help various groups achieve their mission of getting people to climb outside safely. Additionally, seeing ourselves represented amongst the staff helps foster a more welcoming environment."
It’s Hispanic Heritage month, what would you like to see from the climbing community during this month?
"It's not only about this month, but what the climbing community can do for others all the time. All Too often people are comfortable being silent. Being an ally isn't just about re-sharing Instagram stories and posting links to a GoFundMe. Speak up for your peers in person, and apply this to outside the climbing world as well."
Here’s to celebrating Hispanic Heritage month and those out there working hard to see themselves and others like them represented within the climbing community. Your time and hard work is appreciated! Thank you for bringing people together and encouraging others to “climb as they are”.