EASTERN PA

Meet your chapter leaders:

Kate Esposito, she/her & Elizabeth Manios, she/her

Kate: I am so excited to be starting this chapter of the Body Liberation Hiking Club for Eastern PA! I absolutely love being outdoors but am much more motivated to go when it's also a social event. I am thrilled that the BLHC exists because the outdoors should be for EVERYONE and everyone should be allowed to enjoy it. Being outside for recreation has been a joyful and therapeutic part of my life and I am glad to be part of a group that aims to make it a welcome space for all.

Favorite place to hike? Anywhere with water or waterfalls!

Favorite book or podcast? I am a huge bookworm and Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods is a favorite hiking-related read! I also love the podcasts “My Favorite Murder” and “Maintenance Phase.”

Elizabeth: The outdoors is a place where body liberation naturally occurs—mother nature has no judgement. It should organically provide an escape from the social oppression that those in marginalized bodies are subject to on a daily basis. Unfortunately, that social oppression has bled into the outdoor sector by limiting access to properly sized equipment and clothing, leaving us feeling excluded. I am here to be seen and to help others with similar feelings be seen. To let others know people in marginalized bodies exist in, and enjoy, the outdoors. The more of us out here, the harder it is to ignore us! Our chapter’s goal is to plan approachable hikes in as many regions of Eastern PA as we can reach with a focus in the Greater Philadelphia area, the Lehigh Valley region, and everywhere in between. We aim to provide a welcoming community for any level of hiker interested in getting or staying outdoors. We may even plan a few non-hiking events!

Favorite place to hike? As far as hikes in my region, it's hard to pick one. Current favorites are The Pulpit & Pinnacle in Hamburg, PA, and probably Mt. Minsi in the Delaware Water Gap.

Favorite book? I am a total book nerd and I am attempting to work through Stephen King's works. His Sleeping Beauties has been one of my favorite reads.