Kicksledding into Community

As someone who isn't originally from Minnesota, building a sense of community has always been a priority for me. This became even more critical when I embarked on my gender transition journey. I am a proud, open and out transgender man who is always in search of ways to make the world feel even smaller - especially within my own community. Moreover, in today's world, dedicating my time and energy to my community, my well-being, and my happiness is more important than ever. I couldn’t be more grateful for The Venture Out Project for prioritizing our community for an event so central to well-being and wellness. 

I learned about the event from the host and my friend, Max, who had shared amazing things about his involvement with The Venture Out Project in the past.

To say that I was excited about this event is an understatement; engaging in this activity I had come to deeply love and value as a personal ritual but with a community, this time, was amazing. I usually hold towels over my chest scars when I am in the gym - not because I am ashamed, but always keeping safety in unknown environments at the front of my mind. I think that many trans folks are in such a constant state of survival that something as simple as hitting pause on life to focus on your breathing for even a few minutes is an unspoken gift. It was incredible to feel comfortable, accepted, and even more relaxed. 

The day was a perfect blend of adventure and connection, set against the stunning backdrop of a crisp winter day in the Twin Cities. While many avoid the Twin Cities during the winter months, I’m here to tell you, there is nothing quite like it. 

As we navigated our kicksleds (an activity I had never done before) across the frozen Schulze Lake, the air buzzed with laughter and newfound camaraderie. From there, we warmed up (and then some) in the sauna - hosted by Saunable, a small business located here in the Twin Cities. The only logical next, deeply Minnesotan thing to do was cool back off with a bucket of lake water. 

^{Bottom left and middle photos by Beck mason. Top and bottom right photos by T Doujad.}

Meeting the TVOP team, who traveled in for the event to help make it happen, was equally inspiring and appreciated by those of us new to TVOP.  TVOP's mission to lead backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community is truly making a difference and opening up a new world of hobbies to folks like me. The organization has also fostered local chapters and expanded its outreach efforts, making outdoor experiences accessible to a broader geographic range. Learn more about TVOP.(Se abre en una ventana nueva)  

This event was a profound reminder of the unique intersection of my life in Minnesota and my place in the trans community—two journeys that are so intertwined it’s almost hard to recognize the difference between them.

It was a day filled with laughter, friendship, photogenic moments (captured on my film camera), and a deep appreciation for the inclusive and supportive environment that TVOP fosters. I couldn’t be more in love with my community, nature, Minnesota, and the idea of trying new things; TVOP married all of these things together perfectly. What an amazing reminder that adventure is open to everyone and can be found anywhere.

You can follow along with Beck and learn more about TVOP at the links below.

https://www.instagram.com/beckettmasonadams(Se abre en una ventana nueva)
https://www.ventureoutproject.com/#who-we-are(Se abre en una ventana nueva)

Header photo by T Doujad.
Additional photos by Beck Mason.