LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast
Season 2, Episode 5: Lila Harrod | Through-Hiking; A Journey of Self-Discovery and Embracing Authenticity
Release Date: June 17, 2024
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder and Patrick Thompson celebrate Pride Month and LGBT Outdoors' five-year anniversary. They delve into the organization's growth, community-building efforts, and upcoming events while introducing their special guest, Lila Sugar Harrod—a trailblazing through-hiker and the first openly transgender woman to complete the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking.
Guest Introduction: Lila Sugar Harrod
Justin Yoder warmly welcomes Lila Sugar Harrod, highlighting her extensive hiking experience of over 11,000 miles and her pioneering achievements in the hiking community.
Justin Yoder [09:24]: "Have an amazing thru hiker that is going to be on today. And even if you people aren't into through hiking or know what even through hiking is, I just think that her story is inspirational..."
Early Life and Personal Journey
Lila shares her upbringing in the North Shore of Boston during the 1990s, a time when LGBTQ+ discussions were scarce. She reflects on her struggles with identity and addiction, revealing how sobriety at age 30 was pivotal for her gender transition.
Lila Sugar Harrod [10:19]: "I grew up feeling different than other kids... I got sober when I was 30 years old... Once I got sober, I had the capacity and resources to step into my own authenticity."
Patrick Thompson commends Lila's resilience, emphasizing the intertwining of her sobriety and gender transition.
Patrick Thompson [13:09]: "I'm super happy for you because that's a big, big thing to work on. So that's awesome. Thank you for sharing that."
Embracing the Outdoors
Lila discusses how sobriety and self-acceptance led her to the outdoors. Initially influenced by a friend's introduction to backpacking in Seattle, she developed a deep passion for long-distance hiking, particularly the Appalachian Trail.
Lila Sugar Harrod [14:03]: "Once I came out, I felt like I had reached a point where I was more comfortable in my sobriety and who I am authentically. So I do have this time and space to step into the outdoors in a way that I'd always wanted to."
Achievements and Trailblazing
Lila recounts her monumental achievements, including completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail—the Triple Crown—over three consecutive years. She highlights setting fastest known times for New Hampshire's 484000 footers and founding Trail QTS, a mentoring program for queer and trans first-time through-hikers.
Lila Sugar Harrod [18:10]: "I've hiked over 10,000 miles since 2021... I'm the first openly trans woman to complete the Triple Crown."
Trail QTS Mentoring Program
Lila elaborates on Trail QTS, emphasizing its role in mentoring queer and trans individuals interested in through-hiking. The program not only supports mentees with practical advice but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Lila Sugar Harrod [52:21]: "I wanted to help encourage the queer and trans through hiking community to grow... We've made a lot more space for people who are earlier on in their experience."
Current Expedition: Divide to Crest Route
Currently, Lila is undertaking the Divide to Crest route—a self-devised trail connecting multiple established paths. She discusses the challenges of navigating private versus public land and the importance of adaptability in route planning.
Lila Sugar Harrod [25:44]: "I created these theoretical routes on Gaia over the winter to connect everything together... I'm making all sorts of adjustments."
Gear Essentials and Hiking Logistics
Lila provides an insightful rundown of her gear, emphasizing lightweight and efficient equipment essential for long-distance hiking. She shares her strategies for food resupply, water purification, and maintaining a minimal pack weight, which ranges between 10 to 12 pounds.
Lila Sugar Harrod [32:05]: "I carry a 35-liter Deuter Air Contact Ultra... My base weight is about 12 pounds, now down to around 10 pounds."
Navigating Identity in the Outdoors
Addressing the intersection of her transgender identity and outdoor pursuits, Lila discusses the importance of authenticity and challenging traditional outdoor norms. She advocates for embracing personal expression, such as wearing black nail polish, even in rugged environments.
Lila Sugar Harrod [42:08]: "Gender presentation and authenticity doesn't care if I'm in the woods or not... I'm going to be myself even when I'm out here."
Community Interaction and Acceptance
Lila shares her experiences with acceptance both online and in person. While she encounters transphobia mainly in digital spaces, face-to-face interactions on the trails are overwhelmingly positive, fostering mutual respect among hikers.
Lila Sugar Harrod [46:32]: "In person, it happens very, very rarely... People treat you like a human being once they humanize you."
Inspirational Moments on the Trail
Reflecting on her journey, Lila recounts a profound moment in the Grand Canyon's Nankweep Ruins during her Hayduke hike, where she felt a deep connection to nature and the legacy of those who came before her.
Lila Sugar Harrod [58:08]: "At sunset, feeling so connected to all the people who had been there over the centuries before me... It brings me a big sense of peace and connection."
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
As the conversation wraps up, Lila encourages LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue outdoor activities and seek mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of community support and accessibility, inviting listeners to connect with her on Instagram.
Lila Sugar Harrod [60:25]: "If you're a queer trans person and the outdoors, and you're interested in hiking, have questions or concerns, reach out to me... I hope I can be a resource for people."
Connecting with Lila
Listeners interested in Lila's adventures and mentoring can follow her on Instagram @SeltzerSkelter and watch her YouTube channel Sugar Hikes 726.
Key Takeaways
- Lila's Journey: Overcoming addiction and embracing her transgender identity paved the way for her to become a pioneering through-hiker.
- Trail QTS: A mentoring program that supports and grows the queer and trans hiking community.
- Divide to Crest Route: An innovative, self-created trail showcasing Lila's commitment to expanding accessible hiking paths.
- Community and Acceptance: Positive in-person interactions on trails contrast with challenges faced online, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation.
- Encouragement: Lila advocates for authenticity and encourages LGBTQ+ individuals to explore the outdoors, offering herself as a supportive resource.
Notable Quotes
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Lila on Sobriety and Transition:
"My sobriety and my gender transition really go hand in hand. I could not have gone through my transition without my sobriety first." [00:00-00:34]
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Lila on Authenticity in the Outdoors:
"Gender presentation and authenticity doesn't care if I'm in the woods or not. I'm going to be myself even when I'm out here." [42:08]
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Lila on Community:
"I hope that I can be a resource for people, not just from a mentoring program standpoint... It helps grow that community." [52:21]
About LGBT Outdoors
LGBT Outdoors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting the LGBTQIA+ community to the outdoors and to each other, fostering a diverse and inclusive outdoor environment. To learn more, visit LGBTOutdoors.com.
Join the Conversation:
Connect with LGBT Outdoors on Instagram @LGBTOutdoors and join the community on Facebook LGBT Outdoors Group.
Support the Mission:
Consider becoming a partner by joining their Patreon for exclusive content and monthly bonus stories.
Share Your Story:
Email your campfire conversations to info@lgbtoutdoors.com.
This summary captures the essence of Lila Harrod's journey, her contributions to the LGBTQ+ hiking community, and the supportive environment fostered by LGBT Outdoors. It provides an engaging and comprehensive overview for listeners and newcomers alike.