Finding Our Way Podcast: Rob Mitchell

Posted by Mary-Ann Ochota on 15/07/2021

Based in the North York Moors, Rob Mitchell is a mountain leader for Outdoor Lads, a UK-wide community who run a range of sociable outdoor activities for gay, bi and trans guys. In this episode, Rob, a gay man, talks about discrimination linked to homophobia. He also talks about the importance of a supportive community to help individuals deal with stress and life challenges.

Finding Our Way podcast champions diverse outdoor voices and is proudly sponsored by Berghaus.

 

🎧 Listen to the full episode here πŸŽ§

πŸ“₯ DOWNLOAD: Podcast Transcript

How can all clubs be more welcoming and inclusive?

Any club should think long and hard about the messages it sends out - think about what it might look like to other people. Does the wording of anything on your website suggest 'We are for this particular type of person only'? Does the imagery suggest inclusion? We can't make things up, but let's try and make sure we’re saying ‘this group’s accessible’.

Having different types of events will improve inclusion - not everybody wants to go on a 25-mile hike for 18 hours over half a dozen different Munro summits in Scotland. Some people want something a bit more casual. So make sure you've got different types of events, and for different levels of ability, so you're not just narrowing it down to a limited number of people who are already very experienced in the hills. There are lots of people out there that need introducing to the hills and will be put off by a big challenging event.

 

Are groups specially aimed at certain people, like gay, bi and trans men, divisive?

I think as human beings, we all need to form groups. We all need to feel a sense of belonging and a sense of community. Outdoor Lads are just that - part of a group that was set up by, and was intended for, gay men but that's not to say others can't join. It's not about being divisive, it's recognising that there are groups within that broader family [of outdoor enthusiasts]. We pride ourselves as a group on being welcoming, supportive and inclusive, and try and make sure everybody feels valued, especially newcomers. And if it encourages more people to get outdoors, then that's got to be a good thing.

You don't need anybody's permission to try something new. You know, you might just have a couple of friends that have got a similar feeling, a similar ambition. Just go for it. Put your heads together, come up with a plan, see if anybody else wants to join you and just do it. If it works, even if it's just two or three of you doing something and you come back buzzing, other people will think, 'Oh, that sounds good. I'd like a piece of that. Can I join? Can I come next time?'

 

As a hillwalker, how has Outdoor Lads helped you grow your own passion?

I’ve been an active member since 2008 after I went online, found a walk locally and joined. Then I was out with Outdoor Lads in more wild landscapes like the Lake District and then eventually venturing up into Scotland. It's broadened my horizons immensely and boosted my confidence and skills. I’ve just qualified as a Summer Mountain Leader and that’s all down to Outdoor Lads, inspiring me to get out more, to push myself, enjoy it and be a bit adventurous. Getting good at navigating is fantastic. When things come together, when you're aiming for something in the dark and you're pacing yourself...when you find what you're looking for - wow! It sounds bonkers but it really feels fantastic.

 

What does walking mean to you?

Feeling totally, totally free

 

 

READ MORE

Outdoor Lads

Outdoor Lads Twitter

Information and advice for the LGBT+ community and their allies: 

Stonewall Website

Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader and Mountain Leader (ML) qualifications

 

Meet our guests from Season 1:

Rehna Yaseen: Free kit, ‘BAME’ and inspiring young South Asians

Euan Ryan: Making films, climbing and hidden disabilities

Bonita Norris: Everest, ethics and disordered eating

Rob Mitchell: Cake, maps, and gay, bi- & trans lads outdoors

Cherelle Harding: Urban community, reggae and rolling down hills

Stu Skinner: Deserts, jungles and mental health training

Finding Our Way is sponsored by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone.

 

Get involved with the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the BMC Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #FindingOurWay.


Listen now πŸŽ§

Finding Our Way is the new BMC podcast where our guests are as diverse as the outdoors should be.

Hosted by BMC Hillwalking Ambassador and TV Broadcaster Mary-Ann Ochota and Expedition Leader and equity champion Cress Allwood, the podcasts aims to diversify the people we normally hear talking about the outdoors, celebrate their stories and shine a light on their insights.

Listen and subscribe on your favourite podcast apps:

     


« Back

Post a comment Print this article

This article has been read 598 times

TAGS

Click on the tags to explore more

RELATED ARTICLES

Finding Our Way with Steph and Every Body Outdoors – Plus Sizes and Good Kit
11
Finding Our Way with Steph and Every Body Outdoors – Plus Sizes and Good Kit

In this one we sit down with Steph Wetherell, co-founder of Every Body Outdoors, a group campaigning for better representation, clothing and gear for larger and plus-sized bodies in the UK outdoors. We talk about sizest attitudes, why seeing plus size people represented by brands and media is so important, and how clothes and kit can be more inclusive. And the unexpected joy of finding your β€˜tribe’. We also chat with Head of Product at Berghaus.
Read more »

Finding Our Way Podcast: Rich Chapman on Grief and Healing through Climbing
0
Finding Our Way Podcast: Rich Chapman on Grief and Healing through Climbing

In this episode, Richard Chapman talks about his young son dying from cancer, and the impact of that traumatic experience on his mental health. He also describes how climbing has helped him recover and manage PTSD.
Read more »

Finding Our Way Podcast: United We Climb on Climbing Walls and Checking Privilege
0
Finding Our Way Podcast: United We Climb on Climbing Walls and Checking Privilege

Marie Uri and Yasmin Lazarus are climbers and two of the directors of United We Climb, an organization that champions underrepresented and underserved climbers by creating experiences and events that are accessible and inclusive, as well as working with businesses like climbing walls to help the industry identify and break down barriers and become more welcoming.
Read more »

Post a Comment

Posting as Anonymous Community Standards
3000 characters remaining
Submit
Your comment has been posted below, click here to view it
Comments are currently on | Turn off comments
0

There are currently no comments, why not add your own?

RELATED ARTICLES

Finding Our Way with Steph and Every Body Outdoors – Plus Sizes and Good Kit
11

In this one we sit down with Steph Wetherell, co-founder of Every Body Outdoors, a group campaigning for better representation, clothing and gear for larger and plus-sized bodies in the UK outdoors. We talk about sizest attitudes, why seeing plus size people represented by brands and media is so important, and how clothes and kit can be more inclusive. And the unexpected joy of finding your β€˜tribe’. We also chat with Head of Product at Berghaus.
Read more »

Finding Our Way Podcast: Rich Chapman on Grief and Healing through Climbing
0

In this episode, Richard Chapman talks about his young son dying from cancer, and the impact of that traumatic experience on his mental health. He also describes how climbing has helped him recover and manage PTSD.
Read more »

Finding Our Way Podcast: United We Climb on Climbing Walls and Checking Privilege
0

Marie Uri and Yasmin Lazarus are climbers and two of the directors of United We Climb, an organization that champions underrepresented and underserved climbers by creating experiences and events that are accessible and inclusive, as well as working with businesses like climbing walls to help the industry identify and break down barriers and become more welcoming.
Read more »

BMC MEMBERSHIP
Join 82,000 BMC members and support British climbing, walking and mountaineering. Membership only Β£16.97.
Read more »
BMC SHOP
Great range of guidebooks, DVDs, books, calendars and maps.
All with discounts for members.
Read more »
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Get covered with BMC Insurance. Our five policies take you from the beach to Everest.
Read more »