The outdoor bouldering scene is often described as open-minded and inclusive, a style-culture more than a competitive sport. Climbers with diverse body types explore various solutions to movement challenges, drawing inspiration from the different ways individuals approach the same problem. This culture also fosters mutual care, as climbers support one another through spotting and safety practices.
However, despite its inclusive ethos, the climbing community still grapples with issues such as sexism, ableism, racism, ageism, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination. To address these challenges, it is crucial to establish safe spaces that empower marginalized groups and encourage their active participation. As articulated in the Mission Statement of the Women’s Bouldering Festival (2019), the goal must be to “empower underrepresented individuals and groups to confidently take space in the climbing community and beyond.”
This talk examines “Women’s Bouldering”, a non-profit organization that organizes the Women’s Bouldering Festival annually and the Transfest (first edition in 2025)—outdoor bouldering festivals held in the legendary forest of Fontainebleau. These events serve as case studies for inclusive best practices, emphasizing gender equity, intersectionality, and accessibility in outdoor spaces. By providing dedicated spaces for marginalized communities, both festivals and their organizing teams play a pioneering role in fostering equality and inclusion within the outdoor bouldering scene.