Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
What does it mean to bring your full identity with you outdoors?
It’s easy to say “the outdoors doesn’t discriminate” if you’ve never faced discrimination yourself.
For Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala, bringing her full identity as a woman of color to rock climbing has been both challenging and healing. That’s why she’s building safe, women-of-color-led experiences to empower others in the outdoors.
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Tlazocamati miac Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne huan Ute tlalli.
To the land that holds us.
To my Indigenous relatives who teach me every day to be in good relations with our more than human world. Special thanks to Grupo Tlahuitzcalli.
To all who care and love our Tonantzintlalli, Mother Earth.
Special thanks to nonana, mi mami, Martha Matehuala Hernandez. Gracias por enseñarme a luchar por un mundo mejor. Feliz día de las madres a la mamá más chingona. To mis abuelitxs, tixs and mujeres in my family that made me who I am today.
To the amazing people and organizations that are building a different world for our communities. Special thanks to Trailblazers Program participants and our amazing instructors: Kriste Peoples, Lisa Smith, and Bethany “Bety” Lebewitz. Thank you to Women’s Wilderness for supporting this program.
And lastly, my amazing circle of chingonas. Thank you for all the ways you show up for us: Brittany Leavitt, Janelle Paciencia, and Brown Girls Climb crew.
-Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala
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Featuring Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala
Directed by Chris Cresci
Produced by Wondercamp
Field Producer Randi Cerf
Cinematography by Greg Balkin
Additional Cinematography by Thomas Woodson
Sound Mix by Cody Peterson
What does it mean to bring your full identity with you outdoors?
It’s easy to say “the outdoors doesn’t discriminate” if you’ve never faced discrimination yourself.
For Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala, bringing her full identity as a woman of color to rock climbing has been both challenging and healing. That’s why she’s building safe, women-of-color-led experiences to empower others in the outdoors.
***
Tlazocamati miac Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne huan Ute tlalli.
To the land that holds us.
To my Indigenous relatives who teach me every day to be in good relations with our more than human world. Special thanks to Grupo Tlahuitzcalli.
To all who care and love our Tonantzintlalli, Mother Earth.
Special thanks to nonana, mi mami, Martha Matehuala Hernandez. Gracias por enseñarme a luchar por un mundo mejor. Feliz día de las madres a la mamá más chingona. To mis abuelitxs, tixs and mujeres in my family that made me who I am today.
To the amazing people and organizations that are building a different world for our communities. Special thanks to Trailblazers Program participants and our amazing instructors: Kriste Peoples, Lisa Smith, and Bethany “Bety” Lebewitz. Thank you to Women’s Wilderness for supporting this program.
And lastly, my amazing circle of chingonas. Thank you for all the ways you show up for us: Brittany Leavitt, Janelle Paciencia, and Brown Girls Climb crew.
-Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala
***
Featuring Monserrat Alvarez Matehuala
Directed by Chris Cresci
Produced by Wondercamp
Field Producer Randi Cerf
Cinematography by Greg Balkin
Additional Cinematography by Thomas Woodson
Sound Mix by Cody Peterson
