DEI Isn’t Cancelled at the Crag. Here are 10 Ways You Can Show Up for Marginalized Climbers.

In 2025, we’ve seen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts swiftly dismantled, reversing years of policies designed to combat discrimination and inequality. With these legislative policies and programs cut, many are now rethinking how to foster inclusion and equality on their own terms.

In the world of climbing, barriers to entry go beyond the physical. Systemic inequality, economic status, access, representation, cultural bias, and more factors shape who gets to climb—and who feels welcome stepping into the sport.

Climbing spoke with community leaders to get some guidance on how everyone can show up and support marginalized communities at the crag right now.

1. Educate yourself about climbing’s DEI challenges

Ignorance is not an excuse. Take the time to understand the challenges faced by underrepresented climbers. Read, listen, and learn about the experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and adaptive athletes.

Longtime climber and advocate Mariana Mendoza points out that barriers exist on multiple levels: “Some of us experience exclusion in different ways—whether through financial inaccessibility, dismissive attitudes at the crag, or the imagery we’re exposed to that defines who belongs in climbing spaces.”

The first step toward creating meaningful change is taking the time to learn more about some of the major issues—like systemic inequality, economic status, access, representation, and cultural bias—that marginalized communities face. Being thoughtful with whose stories you consume, support, and actively participate in is key.

2. Amplify diverse stories and voices

Representation matters. Use your platform—whether that’s social media, community meetings, or casual conversations—to share the stories and achievements of climbers from diverse backgrounds.

Pro climber Anna Hazelnutt recalls the impact of simply posting about her first ascent in Yosemite: “Seeing another brown girl putting up a new route in Yosemite can shift someone’s mentality—maybe they’ll think, ‘That could be me.’”

3. Support inclusive gear brands

Vote with your dollar. Many outdoor brands support DEI efforts, but some are far more proactive than others. Lou Bank, managing director at Flash Foxy—an organization dedicated to creating spaces and providing resources for women and gender queer climbers—emphasizes the importance of putting money into brands that are investing in accessibility: “Our gear sponsors allow us to offer sliding-scale education programs—without that, we’d be charging three times as much.”

Choosing to support companies—like Arc’teryx, Evolv, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear—that are committed to meaningful change and that prioritize inclusive sponsorships, hiring, and outreach can have a ripple effect across the industry.

4. Be an active ally

Allyship is more than a hashtag. If you witness discrimination at the gym or crag, speak up. If you hear a dismissive comment, challenge it. If someone is being left out of belay conversations, redirect the discussion to include them. Inclusion should be an action, not just a sentiment.

“Treat everyone with excitement and kindness,” says Hazelnutt. “Don’t assume what someone is climbing based on how they look.”

Paraclimbing advocate Katy Nelson echoes this: ”Every time someone is excluded, the community is missing out on something potentially great. The cultural idea of creativity, endless problem solving, and the comfort with trial and error, all while focusing on safely having fun, can and will benefit everyone.”

5. Donate to organizations doing the work

Put your money where your values are. Affinity groups and climbing equity organizations rely on funding to provide scholarships, training, and events. There are numerous organizations working to break down barriers in climbing, from mentorship programs to access funds.

I’ve added a list of some of these organizations at the end of this article.

Brittany Leavitt, Director of Brown Girls Climb, emphasizes the impact of financial support. “We’ve seen huge shifts in representation, but maintaining programs requires long-term investment from the community,” she says. “One-time initiatives are not enough. We need long-term investment in BIPOC and queer-led climbing spaces so that accessibility isn’t just a buzzword.”

6. Volunteer your time for these organizations, too

Actions speak louder than words. Volunteer for programs that introduce marginalized groups to climbing or help advance their climbing skills, whether through local gyms, nonprofits, or national organizations.

“The best way to grow representation is exposure,” says May Nguyen, executive director of Rise Outside, which is dedicated to diversifying the outdoors. “People don’t always know what’s possible until they see someone like them doing it. If you can help facilitate that experience, it’s a game changer.”

They also added that “showing up” can mean mentorship and sharing knowledge, too.

“Exposure is one of the biggest barriers—people need to see climbers who look like them and know that there’s a space for them in the community.” Giving your time helps build the bridges that make climbing more inclusive.

7. Listen and learn about the experiences of others

Mendoza reminds us: “We can’t just invite people to climb without addressing the broader systemic issues that make climbing inaccessible in the first place.”

Marginalized climbers often face subtle and overt exclusion. Nelson says that as an adaptive climber, she often faces micro-aggressions. “People stare, whisper, or assume we’re inspirational just for showing up,” she says. Nelson went on to explain how DEI is an opportunity—not just a “problem” to be solved. She argues that when new people start climbing, they bring something new to the climbing community.

Instead of getting defensive, listen. Rather than assuming what someone is capable of, ask them and listen. Growth requires discomfort, but being willing to challenge your own biases is key to making climbing culture more inclusive.

8. Help promote inclusive climbing environments

A welcoming climbing space isn’t just about who shows up. It’s about who feels like they belong. As Mendoza reminds us, “Climbing doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s tied to economic justice, indigenous rights, and racial equity. We need to fight for all of it.”

Bank of Flash Foxy describes how the organization intentionally shifted from a “sending hard” mentality to a “having the most fun” approach: “At a Flash Foxy event, whether you’re climbing V0 or V13, you get the same cheers and support.”

In both indoor and outdoor climbing spaces, do what you can to eliminate gatekeeping, toxic elitism, and assumptions about who “should” be climbing what.

9. Stay informed

DEI work is ongoing. Stay updated on policies affecting outdoor access, pay attention to representation in climbing media, and keep tabs on issues faced by underrepresented climbers. By staying informed, you’ll be empowered to take action when needed.

Mendoza stresses that climbing is not separate from larger societal injustices: “If we want to change climbing culture, we need to advocate for economic justice, free public transportation, and Indigenous rights—because access is about more than just gym fees.”

To remain engaged in the conversation, follow activists, organizations, and outdoor equity advocates.

Bank adds, “We don’t need permission to create the spaces we want to see.”

10. Find your unique way to foster DEI in climbing

Creating a more inclusive climbing community isn’t about checking a box—it’s about shifting culture. Nelson sums it up best: “We’re not here to take over; we’re here to climb just like everyone else. Respect that, and let’s build something better together.”

Supporting affinity groups in climbing means committing to change—not just in words, but in actions. Whether through education, financial support, or simply being a better ally, every effort contributes to a more inclusive and welcoming climbing world.

“If you want these spaces to exist, you have to keep showing up for them,” Bank emphasizes. Whether you do that by supporting an affinity group’s event, mentoring a new climber, or simply being mindful of how you interact with others at the crag, inclusion isn’t passive or a one-time thing. Think about it as an ongoing practice.

Diversity in climbing isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. By actively supporting and advocating for marginalized climbers, we can create a community that reflects the vast and varied people who love the sport. The crag belongs to all of us. Let’s make sure everyone feels welcome.

Now here’s that list of climbing DEI organizations I promised …

Here are just a few of the many affinity groups and community partners working to make climbing and the outdoors more inclusive and accessible. Learn about their mission, throw them a few dollars, volunteer your time, or just give them a follow. If there’s someone we missed, let us know!

Adaptive Adventures: Brings progressive outdoor adventures to individuals with physical disabilities and their families, regardless of location, equipment needs, or economic status.

Adaptive Climbing Group: Provides affordable climbing experiences for individuals with disabilities, aiming to transform their perspectives.

Black Climbers Collective: An adventure community created by Black climbers for Black climbers.

Black Outside: A Texas-based organization dedicated to reconnecting Black, African-American youth to the outdoors.

The Brown Ascenders: Working to increase access, inclusion, and equity within the outdoor industry for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

Brown Girls Climb: Facilitates mentorship, provides access, uplifts leadership, and celebrates representation in the outdoors and climbing for People of the Global Majority.

Brothers of Climbing: Seeks to reach, represent, and inspire underrepresented groups within the outdoor community.

Catalyst Sports: Acts as an agent of change in the lives of people with physical disabilities and our communities.

Chicago Adventure Therapy (CAT): Using outdoor adventure sports like paddling, camping, cycling, hiking, and rock climbing, CAT works with Chicago youth to have a lasting positive impact on their communities and become healthy adults.

Climbers of Color: Aims to increase access to climbing for BIPOC.

Climbing for Change: Pro climber Kai Lightner’s organization that facilitates pathways to increase BIPOC representation in the climbing community and the great outdoors.

Crux Climbing: Expands access to the sport of rock climbing and outdoor recreation for LGBTQ communities in the New York metropolitan area and eastern New York.

Diversify Outdoors: A coalition of social media influencers—bloggers, athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs—who share the goal of promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, 2SLGBTQ+, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented.

Earthtone Outside: Elevates the visibility of Montana’s diverse outdoor enthusiasts.

Flash Foxy: Stands with women and gender queer climbers—including trans and gender non-conforming folks—who need a space to pursue their love of the sport without having to deal with historic barriers to access.

G.L.A.M. Climb of Texas: GLAM provides a safe and inclusive space for anyone interested in rock climbing.

Green Latinos: A comunidad of Latino/a/e leaders fighting for political, economic, cultural, and environmental liberation.

Lady Crvsh Crew: A community for ladies who crush beta while empowering each other through climbing.

Latinos Outdoors: Inspires, connects, and engages Latino communities in the outdoors and embraces cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative.

Melanin Base Camp: A media company with a powerful voice that plays a major role in normalizing diversity in the outdoors.

Natives Outdoors: A media and consulting company that cultivates the talent of Indigenous communities.

Native Women’s Wilderness: Inspires and raises the voices of Native Women in the Outdoor Realm, encourages a healthy lifestyle within the Wilderness, and provides education of the Ancestral Lands and its People.

Outdoor Afro: Celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature.

Outdoor Asian: Creates a diverse and inclusive community of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the outdoors.

OUT There Adventures: An adventure education organization committed to fostering positive identity development, individual empowerment and improved quality of life for queer young people through professionally facilitated experiential education activities.

Paradox Sports: Dedicated to transforming lives and communities through adaptive climbing opportunities that defy convention.

Queer Climbing Collective: Hopes to connect the LGBTQIA+ community through their love for climbing and the outdoors.

Queer Crush: Fosters safe spaces for queer, trans, and gender-diverse folx to climb and make friends.

Queer Nature: Focuses on nature-intimacy, naturalist studies, and place-based skills for LGBTQIA+, Two-Spirit, & non-binary people and allies.

Rise Outside: Professional instruction and guided experiences on rock, ice, trail, and anywhere we connect with nature to diversify the outdoors.

ROMP: Ensures access to high-quality prosthetic care for underserved people, improving their mobility and independence.

Sending in Color: Diversifies the Chicago climbing scene, with meetups for People of the Global Majority (PGM).

She Moves Mountains: Creates an inclusive and empowering educational space for all women—including cisgender and transgender individuals—to realize their strengths through outdoor retreats and skills clinics.

Soul Ascension Crew: Empowers existing and beginner climbers of color in Northern California.

Texas Lady Crushers: Provides Texas women, gender non-conforming, and trans individuals education, community, and support to become self-sufficient rock climbers

TranSending 7: Advance transgender rights throughout all aspects of society by promoting athletics as a platform for transgender awareness and inclusion.

Venture Out Project: Leads backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community.

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