por Carlos Rodriguez

I believe the outdoors to be something that should be available to all. Whether it’s a hug of a much-needed breeze in the desert or the warmth of the sun on an alpine adventure, nature seems to provide all that I truly desire. Therefore, creating the bridges for more participation from communities of color within outdoor culture has become linked with my outdoor lifestyle. The memories, skills, and relationships that have come about because of my incessant “call of the wild” are truly priceless. The outdoors have given me the opportunity to identify with something bigger than myself.

To introduce myself, my name is Carlos Rodriguez. I am a first-gen Honduran-American. I think of myself as a proud, brown, non-binary, omega male born on the mainland of Honduras. La Lima to be exact. My parents were children of the great minds of Lorca, Neruda, and Quilapayun. Honduras has always been a battleground for basic human rights and the most recent turmoil has left many with no other option other than seeking refuge elsewhere. I share a vital parallel with these comrades. As a child of immigrants, our parents grow up believing that a better life exists in the United States. While my story will focus on the great outdoors and what it’s taught me, the heart of it all is exploring the world and designing my own life and opportunities in a way that my parents were never able to. By pursuing what I love, I can pay homage to the sacrifice my parents gave to give me this privilege in the first place.

My parents migrated to the United States in the late 90’s. Their move to the states ultimately resulted in them moving to Brooklyn, New York and eventually relocating to Birmingham, Alabama. I lived the majority of my life in Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. After a short stint trying out work opportunities, I decided to move back to NYC. This time I would reside in the Bronx for 7 years, and now I’m in Colorado writing this post the day after a successful summit of Longs Peak by me and my siblings. The outdoors has a way of always being fair and within that fairness is where all the possibilities begin. For me, it’s also where some of my best memories come from. To name a few examples, I have biked across Martha’s Vineyard, hiked north rim to south rim at the Grand Canyon, seen the fall foliage at Acadia, did “The Incline” with my father, and explored the Smokies at night. I explore this country because it gives me a constant flow of opportunities to satiate my “pioneering spirit”. I’ve always had a calling to push myself physically and I realized that the Rockies were always calling. At the end of 2021, I relocated to Denver, Colorado to expand my ability to experience the outdoors in a different way. Spotlighting the therapeutic value of engaging with different natural environments is something I believe to be foundationally American. How can we ever expect to truly understand the beauty of conservation efforts if Gunnison trout fishing is a hobby only reserved for your more conventional “outdoorsman?” This is the next paternal mold I have set out to deconstruct.

Throughout my life, I have come to terms with my own privileges and how they have given me the ability to explore on my terms. You should always choose to educate yourself before setting out on any new endeavors, but getting outside is as simple as taking a step out your door. If you find that you like being outside, you should make it a habit to spend time doing so. As you begin to develop an idea for how you like to spend your time, you can begin to budget for this lifestyle in a way that makes the most sense for you. I encourage you to not be fooled by the glamor of new product releases. The real value comes from getting to know the equipment needs of your adventure and keeping your eyes out for cost-effective ways of acquiring equipment, whether that be at yard sales, estate sales, and/or seasonal sales online/in-store. I strongly believe that this is vital information that must not skip another generation. My parents never had this type of access or knowledge, but I, thankfully, now do. Therefore, giving back to my community and creating more spaces for brown and black people to thrive outdoors is my leading motivation. Latino Outdoors is blazing such a unique trail. This is our opportunity to ensure that the connection we, as Brown people, have with the nature around us, returns in a way that allows more people like us to do the same. I want people to become aware of the role they play in ensuring future generations understand how to grow with nature. The seasonality of nature is something pure. We all should cherish the beauty the world offers while still seeing the beauty that resides within us all. Why not respect the outdoors at every turn? Thoreau would be proud of such an exceptional American. For in his blind pride, he would truly understand the meaning of being good, wild, and free!