Khadija Ali (she/her)

Climbing in Utah as a Hijabi, I’ve always felt like I was the only one. I’ve never met another Muslim climber in person just through Instagram, where I’d find other Muslimah climbers, stalk their pages for stoke and inspiration, and double tap with quiet hope. Maybe one day I’d actually get to meet someone like me out on the wall. Going to the Flash Foxy Climbing Festival, I carried that hope with me that I might meet another Muslimah climber. I didn’t this time, but what I did find was something equally powerful: a community full of love, depth, and people who showed up fully as themselves. I met so many incredible, kind, badass climbers who made me feel seen and celebrated in ways I didn’t expect. Being part of Infinite Space was so, so special. That space was pure magic. To sit in community with other climbers from all different places, backgrounds, identities, cultures, and traditions was such an amazing thing to witness and be part of. As someone who deeply values community, getting to exist in a space where we were all just there to climb, to share, to laugh, and to learn from one another that was one of the most powerful parts of the whole weekend. It reminded me how strong we are when we come together. Something else that really stood out to me was how Flash Foxy honored and uplifted the local Bishop community. Flash Fpxy did an amazing job connecting the locals into the festival through the land acknowledgment, the activities, the storytelling, and the cultural pieces that helped us learn about their traditions and what they do for the land. I really appreciated that. It grounded the festival in place and reminded us to be respectful, responsible visitors. The way the locals were involved made the whole event feel even more intentional and meaningful. As a Hijabi, representation really matters to me. I want to be that visible reminder that we’re out here too. Hijabi baddie climbers exist we’re strong, joyful, spiritual, passionate, and we belong on the rock just as much as anyone else. Being at Flash Foxy helped me embody that more fully. I climbed harder than I expected. I took up space. I asked questions. I showed up as my full self and I was met with nothing but love. Even though I came into the weekend nervous wondering if I’d find my place I left feeling grounded and empowered. Flash Foxy created a space where I didn’t have to explain or justify who I am. I just got to be. I’ll be carrying that energy back with me to Utah and every crag I visit. In every climb, there is a hand to hold, a rope to trust, and a community to carry us Forword.

Thank you, Flash Foxy, for holding space for us. For building a world where community looks like this. For reminding me that even if I’m the only Hijabi climber at my local crag, I’m not climbing alone. We’re out here. And we’re climbing.