The face of outdoor climbing has always been a very specific one. From New Zealand’s Edmund Hilary, the first human to summit Everest to Aron Ralston, the adrenaline junkie canyoneer played by James Franco in 127 hours, and even Free Solo’s Alex Honnold, who scaled Yosemite’s infamous El Capitan without equipment, the sport has long-since distinguished itself as a space almost solely for White Men™. That is until the ascent of Brown Girls Climb, a non-profit who – with a little extra grip from Vans’ MTE – are overhauling underrepresentation, one climb at a time.
For Brittany Leavitt, the CEO of BGC, the aforementioned demographics almost discouraged her from exploring climbing entirely. Of the 7.7 million climbers nationwide, 96.8 percent identify as male, and over 80 percent are white — statistics that left her feeling isolated as an aspiring climber in 2014. Then, at an outdoor training facility, she stumbled across a photograph of Chelsea Griffie, the first Black, female climber to ascend El Capitan, and reharnessed her will to climb. “Okay, we’re out here,” she thought to herself. “We may be spread out, but we are part of this.”
Founded by Bethany ‘Bety’ Lebewitz in 2016, BGC originally offered an entry point to female climbers of color. Since, it’s evolved into a nationwide organization uplifting People of the Global Majority within the sport; hosting meet-ups and workshops, all while offering discounts on gym memberships and climbing gear to increase accessibility to the sport. With Brittany at the helm, BGC has become a beacon of mentorship and education with a nationwide database of gyms and guiding companies, eager to belay the girls as they rise.
“[Our mission] is to continue creating a space to uplift the many beautiful stories of women of color’s connection to climbing and the outdoors,” Brittany says. “With BGC, I want to accomplish more conversations within our community on understanding environmental impact as climbers — really just showcasing how badass we are as climbers, storytellers and community dreamers.”
Now, anchored by Vans’ mission to propel athletes to ‘Go Where You Didn’t Expect,’ Brown Girls Climb are entering a whole new stratosphere — and the view looks pretty good. Read on for more from the driving forces behind BGC, the cultural significance of women climbing and how their commitment to style (even scaling a cliff face).
Brittany
Walk us through your entry into outdoor climbing; what did the landscape look like when you started?
My first outdoor climbing experience was in 2014 at Safe Harbor in PA. At the time, I was just borrowing all the gear from friends’ shoes to harness. It took me a very long time to be able to own my items. So, I worked hard to understand my knowledge of climbing, and by doing so, I became a guide and did that for about five years. When I met Bety, who started Brown Girls Climb, it helped me expand my knowledge on climbing and how many stories of women of color are out doing this before us. I learned how climbing overall has major cultural significance in many communities I connect and work with! What’s super dope is from six years ago to today, we see more representation in athletes, especially Black, Brown and Indigenous climbers. We see more organizations and affinity groups being created to help others spark their understanding of climbing, our history in the outdoors and environmental impacts.
At what point did you transition from climber to community leader with BGC? Break down the organization’s original mission — how has it evolved?
It wasn’t a transition, I was able to enhance my leadership skills in the climbing community [from the beginning]. When the founder started Brown Girls Climb, I was an early educator, guide and volunteer leader for another organization. Holding these roles helped capture the importance of creating better access for others when it comes to education in the outdoors, mainly focusing on climbing! A few examples of what that looks like are connecting with brands and gyms to help with supporting gym membership discounts to getting free gear and shoes for community folks who need it. We also have a national team member Monse, who helped get more women of color instructors to access outdoor education.
As a brand, Vans epitomizes pushing yourself to places you didn’t expect. What about the trajectory of your climbing career surprised you most?
Honestly, where I am right now. I knew that I always wanted to work outdoors and teach, [but] I would have never placed myself in as big of a role as a CEO — let alone being able to do so while uplifting and showcasing the beautiful work that many women of color are doing in the climbing industry. I wouldn’t have thought I would be able to climb and connect to mountain tops in the way that I have been able to do in the last few years!
What impact has facilitating a ‘brave space’ for women of color climbers had on your relationship with the sport?
The impact has been a rollercoaster. Creating spaces for others to learn and be seen is essential. Watching others get stoked, inspired and develop other organizations and groups has been amazing! I’m proud of the last six years of work we, as leaders, staff and founders, have created across the country and world. We are always learning, shifting for what is essential and what our community needs.
Adeline
Skating, hiking and climbing are all traditionally white, male-dominated sports, was it difficult to be taken seriously when you first entered these spaces? How have they evolved since?
It was 100 percent difficult to be taken seriously when I started and for a long time after that. I’ve had to let the gatekeeping roll off of my back and create a space for myself with an abundance of positivity and persistence. To this day I am met with the same attitude in climbing spaces new to me, but there are at least pockets of inclusion in many more outdoor and professional spaces that I can not only have access to, but help provide access to for others. There are many more people who I can identify with and allies who actively work towards diversity that have positions of power and climbing has become more welcoming.
As a multidisciplinary athlete, what does it mean to have a storied brand like Vans in your corner?
By having Vans amplify my voice and partner with me to show representation in the climbing industry and outdoor spaces, people who would otherwise overlook me now have a reason to listen to what I have to say. I really appreciate the chance to expand my audience and recruit more people to help me diversify this wonderful sport. I also really appreciate the chance to show as many people who identify with me as possible that we can exist in every discipline successfully as well as enjoy the outdoors.
How do climbing newcomers blossom with an organization like BGC?
Newcomers [are embraced] by a community that wants them to enjoy this sport and have access to as much as possible. I’ve seen BGC members go from first time climbers to outdoor regulars traveling the country. Some folks get so inspired they volunteer as chapter leaders to help and invite even more women to join in. One woman in particular is both a chapter leader and now owns her own outdoor business. She hosted the first outdoor festival in history for Black people. It was an honor to help her organize and attend the event. And it all started with her first visit to a climbing gym where she saw a fellow female Black climber competing in a competition. Representation really matters.
What would you say to other women of color who are interested in pursuing adventure sports, but struggling to find a way in?
I would say to get comfortable being a trailblazer and protect your peace. Find a community online where you can check in regularly with other enthusiasts you can identify with and potentially find a mentor. Even if you can’t meetup in person, zoom group sessions are super helpful until you can travel. There are definitely facebook pages, instagram pages, and local groups you can join. Keep looking and asking around until you find one that truly fits.
Sam
For someone who has never experienced outdoor climbing, how do you break down the sport’s appeal?
Outdoor climbing is a great way to challenge yourself. For me, the greatest challenge is emotional. I’m often very scared when I climb outdoors. Being able to overcome that fear with my friends’ support fills me with satisfaction and joy.
Vans is all about testing your limits, how has BGC’s mentorship shaped your general outlook, as well as other areas of your life?
BGC showed me a version of outdoor climbing that reflected my values back to me. They showed me that climbers can be curious and playful about the land they climb on instead of trying to “conquer” whatever climb they’re working on. This made outdoor climbing feel much more friendly to me and inspired me to keep trying, even though I often feel uncomfortable in many outdoor spaces.
As a tattoo artist, no doubt aesthetics are always top of mind — how do you bridge fashion and function for a climb?
I tend to center my climbing outfits around whatever pants I plan to wear that day. A versatile pair of pants with a nice silhouette that doesn’t restrict your movements is key. After that, I enjoy playing with different color palettes. When the weather is warm, I’m a big fan of combining dusty pinks with muted oranges.
How do your early climbing goals compare to current aspirations? What would you still love to accomplish with the sport?
My early climbing goals were more strength focused. Although I’d still love to be stronger I am now more focused on achieving flow when I’m on the wall. Nothing feels better than coming off a climb and knowing my movements were controlled and graceful.
Selene
How did you first discover BGC? What’s it been like to watch the organization grow?
I’m originally from the land of the Tongva people, known today as Los Angeles, and went to a BGC meet-up there. At the meet-up, I was able to connect with some amazing and warm souls that told me about the climbing culture here in the land of the Munsee Lenape people, known today as New York! It’s been amazing to be a part of something that helped me build a community across the country and it’s been so great to see that so many other folks have found community in this space too.
At what point during a climb do you feel the most exhilarated?
I love it when I’ve been projecting a climb for some time (for what feels like weeks), and the day that I least expect it is when I send it. I especially love it when it’s a climb with burly moves on an overhang!
What can a great outfit – or shoe – do for your athletic performance? What goes into a great climbing look?
Ooh! My outfit is a huge part of my climbing. When I feel cute, hot and comfortable is when I feel my best when climbing. I love wearing fits that show off my back and shoulder muscles because they remind me how strong I’ve become. I also love wearing shoes that make it easy and comfortable for me to get to the crag.
What is it about outdoor climbing that keeps you coming back?
Climbing outdoors is a whole other way to connect with mother nature. I’m a very outdoorsy person and I admire Mother Nature in all her beauty and strength. Climbing outside reminds me how powerful yet soft and kind she is.
Learn more about the Vans MTE collection at Vans.com/MTE.
Credits
Photography Evan Browning
Styling Zara Mirkin
Hair Tyress Salmon
Make-up Miguel Ramos
Makeup assistance Emma Ando
Photography assistance Andrew Blumenthal + Elijah Lobato
Styling assistance Pippi Nola
Creative direction Emery Coopersmith + Elyza Therese Parker
Executive producer Randy Stulberg
Director of production Michael May
Producer Andrea Blake
Production manager Justin Cirulli
Marketing managers Cate Jensen and Charlotte Jenkins
Talent liaison Justine Vaughan
Social producer Carissa Quiambao
Social editor Carly Danner
All shoes (worn throughout) Vans MTE