Fat and Outdoorsy: Jenny Bruso

May 23, 2018

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Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers. Her work is rooted in her belief that there is room for every body on the trail. Jenny is queer, fat, and femme, and she's passionate about cultivating a safe space in the outdoors for people of all backgrounds and body sizes.

Unlikely Hikers is just two years old, but its positive reception proves that the time is right for outdoor media and meetups that include rather than exclude, and encourage people to occupy their bodies rather than critique them. We talk with Jenny about Unlikely Hikers' growth, how straight-sized people can be considerate of others while in the outdoors, where she finds her hiking apparel, and more.

Women featured in this episode: Jenny Bruso

Hosted by Gale Straub

Featured in the midroll: Kaily Gashi, hiker and mother of twins

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In this episode, you'll hear:

Why Jenny Bruso started Unlikely Hikers and what it means to be one
How her time on the trail equates to self care
How Unlikely Hikers group hikes intentionally cultivate a safe space for all people (including queer, trans, people of color, fat, disabled, etc.)
Why Jenny's ground rules for hikes include not talking about weight or dieting
The assumptions straight-sized people make about fat people on the trail (and how to avoid making them)
Why representation of marginalized communities in the outdoor industry won't change unless those communities are included when decisions are being made
The lack of options available for plus sized athletic clothing (and who is doing a good job)

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