Mariah Smith (she/her)
The Flash Foxy 2025 Festival couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’m incredibly grateful for the scholarship opportunity—it’s been a tough year, and I really didn’t want to miss out on connecting with an inspiring and affirming community. And that’s exactly what I got to do!
I’m from Boise, Idaho, which has become an increasingly difficult place to live, especially with the current administration in power. The Idaho legislature is doing its best to follow in the footsteps of the Trump-era policies, and unfortunately, they're making a lot of headway. I knew this festival would be filled with people who share my values—a place where I could take a break from the overwhelming stream of bad news, find solidarity, vent my frustrations, and most importantly, feel seen and heard.
Idaho might be the only Mountain West state without a climbing affinity group, and I often feel like the only Black female climber in the local scene. From what I’d seen online, I knew Flash Foxy attracts a more diverse and inclusive group of climbers, and sure enough, I got to climb alongside so many incredible BIPOC folks—including two other climbers with locs like mine! The feeling of recognizing yourself in others who love the same things you do is incredibly powerful—something that resonates deeply with folks from marginalized and underrepresented communities. I’m beyond thankful to have met people who not only looked like me but were also so kind, welcoming, and rad. We’re staying connected, and I’m already dreaming of future meetups in other corners of the world.
Another part of the festival that was deeply impactful for me was getting to know climbers from the trans community. As you might imagine, both the BIPOC and trans climbing communities in Idaho are extremely small, and right now, trans rights are under intense attack in my home state. I don’t think you need to personally know someone to stand up for their rights, but when you do, your advocacy becomes that much more personal and passionate. Spending four days in community with people of various gender identities was not only refreshing—it felt completely normal, as it should. It gave me space to challenge my own assumptions and live out the inclusive values I strive to share with others. That kind of growth and reflection doesn’t always happen in your comfort zone, and while I’m pretty introverted, this was exactly the kind of space that made it worth pushing my social battery.
One of the most memorable aspects of the festival was witnessing the intentional collaboration with the Bishop-Paiute Tribe. It was clear that the Flash Foxy organizers made a thoughtful effort to respectfully include, uplift, and create space for the tribe to engage with the climbing community in ways that felt right to them. Experiencing the spiritual and ceremonial dances was powerful, and I’m grateful to have been welcomed onto their ancestral lands. The beauty of the Owens River Valley is unmatched, and the opportunity to connect with the land and its original stewards made the experience even more meaningful.
Thank you, Flash Foxy, for cultivating such a vibrant, welcoming, and radically inclusive space. It was exactly what I needed—and I know I’m not the only one.
