Spotlight: Kevin
“Trans and gender-nonconforming people need to feel comfortable in every space if we are going to make outdoor access available for everyone.”
Kevin Belanger
What are your pronouns?
He/him/his
How do you identify?
Gay man
What outdoor activities are you involved in?
Trail biking, trail running, camping, bikepacking
Tell us about a favorite/memorable outdoor adventure you’ve had:
I just finished detailing my bikepacking adventure last summer from Pittsburgh to DC last summer on my blog, By Way of the Trail. Took 6 days with an old friend, camped the whole way because of Covid, had an epic time! Pretty sure I saw a mountain lion. And definitely did see a bear!
In your opinion, what are the most important challenges/issues facing queer people outside?
Trans inclusivity, especially in rural areas. Trans and gender-nonconforming people need to feel comfortable in every space if we are going to make outdoor access available for everyone.
As an LGBTQIA+ person, if you could change one thing about the outdoor industry, what would it be?
The outdoor industry is pretty open for me as a gay man - I’m lucky I rarely need to hide myself to feel like I fit in. But I’m also white. More people of color in visible positions in the outdoor industry will go a long way. More queer POCs? Even better.
Do you have anything else to add?
I work for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and am the lead planner for the Great American Rail-Trail. I love the project for many reasons, one of which is bringing all kinds of people together. It goes through cities and rural areas. I hope more queer people consider doing something like the Great American Rail-Trail - personally, I make sure to not hide my queerness when I am working in the field and talking with all kinds of people about how awesome the trail is and what it can do for our communities.
Also, how could I forget my drag alter ego Whiskey Ginger! My favorite look of hers is a park ranger. I hope to take her into the wild at some point.