Andrea Castillo (She/They)

Scholarship Recipient | 2024 Flash Foxy Climbing Festival - Bishop

Ten years ago, I saw the first Flash Foxy video online and said, "That's what I want to do here in Ecuador." Watching their videos, following their networks, and reading their website and blogs motivated me to create and do what I did. I have always wanted to go to a Flash Foxy in these ten years, but economically, I never could; for me, the event and everything that goes into traveling to the USA is costly. Ecuador is a very cheap country, and the change is abysmal for me. But well, at last, everything aligned, and I managed to be part of your event in 2024.

I'm going through a terrible existential crisis. And Flash Foxy, for me, was a dream come true to be part of something that inspired me from afar. I also realized I had created something extraordinary in Ecuador in the last ten years. I participated in three incredible climbing festivals, and we supported many women, queer gender, and other social groups. Before being part of your event, I would leave all that behind; I felt that it was beyond me and that I couldn't do it anymore. But I love doing Warmikuna RockFest, and I have mixed feelings.

After Flash Foxy, I called my partners and told them I didn't want to leave Warmikuna RockFest, but I needed a more committed and organized group for the festival, as I see in Flash Foxy. They gave me that light. And well, I'm returning to Ecuador soon to organize Warmikuna RockFest 2024. I think it's going to have a name change to make it a queer gender festival as well. It would be an honor if any of you from the organizers of Flash Foxy came to the event. It would be nice if the whole group came. It is in October 11-13, 2024. You would see a different reality from your event; Latin America is another world, but the stories repeat themselves. You are invited, and we will send you a formal invitation from the organization soon.