Patagonia’s new film explores the theme of identity and outdoors
The documentary had its European premiere at Base Milano during an evening dedicated to climbing, inclusion and diversity. Special guests Alessandro Zan, Marco Arlati and Gabe Negro. The entire proceeds of the event will be donated to Pride Sport Milano.
Patagonia today launched They/Them, a 70-minute documentary on the story of Lor Sabourin, a climber, guide and coach who identifies as transgender and uses the pronouns “they”/”them” to define himself.
The film had its European premiere on 30 September in Milan at an event dedicated to sport, inclusion and diversity.
For Lor Sabourin, climbing is more than a sport: it is a way to explore his own identity and improve resilience in the face of adversity. They/Them follows Lor into the sandstone canyons of northern Arizona on a journey to complete one of the most difficult and challenging routes of his life, finding the space to create and build a community of climbers where each person can be themselves.
Lor Sabourin, Patagonia climb ambassador, said: “I started climbing when I was 12 years old and soon realized how important this sport is as a resource for learning how to cope with stress and push yourself beyond your comfort zone; it gave me what I needed to build a community of solidarity. Climbing offers this extraordinary opportunity: it can provide a safe space for non-binary people to practice sport, because it is a discipline that is not as highly gendered as others, especially when it comes to the outdoors.
At a time when so many transgender people are excluded from different sports, we have an opportunity to set an example, to show how we can be more inclusive. I hope this film will convey what sport can mean to people who have experienced oppression and how it can give them a sense of security in their bodies… and also how being outdoors is liberating. I also hope it raises a question in those who see it: what can I do to make my community feel safer, not just for trans people, but for anyone who needs it?”
Justin Roth, Patagonia Global Marketing Manager – Alpine & Rock Climbing commented: “As Patagonia, we have always sought to highlight stories that showcase the beauty of our planet and the people who enhance that beauty through sport or activism. They/Them encapsulates each of these themes and takes it a step further: it makes us more aware of communities that are often overlooked in the outdoor world. It is evident and well known within the LGBTQ+ community that climbing, and the outdoor movement in general, still has a long way to go to be more inclusive of those groups that are still marginalized. We want to express our enthusiasm in helping Lor to share his story and mission. Our ambition is to help spread the idea of a community of climbers where everyone can feel welcome, safe and free to be as they are. We fully understand that there is still a lot of work to be done to make the sport more inclusive for all people, but we really believe that we want to achieve this goal”.
