Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature

Encompassing identity, inspiration, ancestry, and stewardship, the essays and poems by leading Black women and nonbinary scientists in Been Outside explore how experiences in the natural world and life sciences shape the self. These writers and researchers contemplate the moments that sparked their love of nature, as well as the ways time in the field and outdoor adventures have enhanced or expanded their perspectives about what is possible.

What does it mean to be a Black woman or nonbinary scientist studying the natural world? Camille Mosley considers how the rich fishing tradition of Black Americans relates to their career in freshwater ecology, Sharon Dorsey reflects on her reaction to finally meeting a wildlife professional who looks like her, and Tanisha Williams shares her powerful emotional journey of returning to South Africa to study plants. Edited by Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore, these stories from twenty-two writers showcase the challenges and joys of carving out your own path through the natural world—and will inspire anyone seeking to craft their own outdoor life. In this way, Been Outside promotes collective action toward an outdoor community that welcomes everyone.