Beware of ‘ trauma porn ’ and ‘ inspirational ’ stories , particularly about people ‘ overcoming ’ disability or hardship . Don ’ t exploit someone ’ s life experience for an easy hook .
Don ’ t just ask someone about the aspects of their identity or story that make them a minority . Your interviewee may want to talk about how they prepare for bikepacking trip .
Do you put the ‘ fit and fancy ’ and ‘ wealthy and healthy ’ features at the front of your publication , and then tuck the ‘ diversity and other stuff ’ in the back ? Are you unintentionally demonstrating that you value different people differently ?
Language Beware language that excludes . For example , ‘ Good evening , everyone ’ is more inclusive than ‘ Good evening , ladies and gentlemen ’.
Is a route labelled as ‘ easy ’? A value-neutral description – for example distance – is informative for everyone , and more inclusive for people who might not find the route easy .
Ways of describing people are contested . For example , some people like POC ( People of Colour ). Others don ’ t . Best practice – ask the people you ’ re working with what language they like to use .
Submissions Submission guidelines should be clear and transparent . This levels the playing field for people new to the business who don ’ t already know the secret rules of success , or might not be considered a ‘ trusted ’ pair of hands yet .
Can you work with other publications to develop a mentoring programme , or supported and properly paid internships ?
Hidden disabilities may affect a person ’ s work patterns and availability . Don ’ t make assumptions – be open , work together to establish what support they need and what you can offer .
There ’ s nothing wrong with being white , middle-class , or able-bodied – it ’ s what you do with those unearned advantages that matters . Make things fairer and weaken the systems of ( dis ) advantage .
Share power : time , money , energy , literacy , mobility , leisure , connections , spaces , travel , and opportunities .
Change behaviour : pay attention , intervene , speak up , take the initiative , do ally and advocacy work .
Remember that pitching is a vulnerable place for people and even more so if they ’ re in a minoritised group . Ask – am I gatekeeping ? Or gatedismantling ?
It might not be easy to find and nurture a team of diverse reviewers , feature writers and photographers . But invest all the time and resource that you can .
Reviews Do you only review high-end kit that comes with a hefty price tag ? Who are your reviewers ? Do you have a white , slim man as your default and then sometimes run ‘ diverse ’ reviews that feature kit for women , plus-sized people , and everyone else ? Does a white man usually review the elite kit ?
Accessibility Include basic accessibility information as default in guidebooks and articles : public transport access , ramps and steps , toilets and accessible facilities . Include captions , alt text and image descriptions in social media posts . Use an accessibility guide to make sure you ’ re following design guidelines .
Clients and brands If you don ’ t like the values that a brand or publication is demonstrating , point it out . You ’ re using your privilege as an insider to good ends here . Explain clearly what your concerns are , and invite dialogue . If it comes to it , consider refusing the work and explain why you ’ ve declined .
This is the start We can ’ t do it all at once . But we can do something right now to start the journey .
The OWPG needs to advocate for outdoor professionals on these issues . We must now conduct that critical audit of our organisation and sincerely ask : what are we going to do , and what do we need to say – and to whom – to really make a difference ? The work starts here .
With input from members of All the Elements Network , alltheelements . co
Dani Brackenridge climbing on Stob Coire nan Lochan , Glen Coe . The full context behind this image is in Mary-Ann ’ s talk . Image © Sam Leary , leadingedgemountain . co . uk
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