Presenter(s): Taylor Reichert − Environmental Studies
Faculty Mentor(s): Sarah Wald
Poster 179
Research Area: Humanities
Individuals from sexually marginalized groups along with differing urban and rural communities experience a wide variety of barriers when it comes to accessing the outdoors. Oppression, safety and discomfort are major concerns for women and members of the LGBTQ community if they ever desire to partake in national park services or environmental spaces. Transportation and economic barriers face the differing groups from rural and urban communities striving to enjoy these public spaces as well. As an Oregon based environmental protection organization, Bark has expressed a pressing need for a more inclusive environment for community engagement. What are the barriers that have historically restricted individuals from diverse gender identities and varying locations from accessing and enjoying US national parks and how have these trickled into the present society? I will conduct a literature review on the relationship between LGBTQ-identified individuals and outdoor recreation, along with the relationship between individuals from urban/rural communities and outdoor recreation. I hope to develop a better understanding of existing barriers and practices that might combat those barriers. The findings I hope to come across will lead to alternative solutions to a more inclusive outdoor recreation environment for all genders and rural/urban communities to create a more diverse society that utilizes its public spaces. Alternative programs and policies must be implemented for public outdoor spaces in order to increase its diversity and utilization so that all groups of individuals may partake in a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle with the environment.