A perspective I've found difficult to express... thoughts?
I relate so much to the author about finding freedom from gender expectations in sports/the outdoors, and the vague frustration from 'fashion' and feminized appearance becoming pushed as climbing becomes more popular. As she also says, this isn't about judging individuals for how they express themselves, do you, but railing against the shift in culture in an activity that is otherwise pretty gender neutral.
Like obviously no one is forcing me to dress any which way, but if most of the gym/crag is outfitted in stylish, attractive fashion choices, that does set an unspoken standard which I am now no longer meeting. In so much of life we are expected to perform femininity, and I just wish this could stay out of climbing. There are already very few spaces where you can be frumpy and blah and not feel like you're falling short of something.
I realize this comes across as insecure and judgemental and I should just ignore what other people are wearing and climb, which I do, but this has been a mental itch for a while and I was very happy to find at least one other person summing up how I feel.
Anyone else?