Image from Esmeralda Sanchez
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an intern with the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All initiative. My role immersed me in the pressing issue of transportation pollution, particularly the harmful emissions stemming from warehouses, cars, and trucks in my hometown of San Bernardino. Despite being nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking San Bernardino Mountains, my community grapples with the dual challenges of heavy industrialization and limited access to parks and trails. As an undergraduate student aspiring to work in the healthcare field, I understand that access to clean air and the great outdoors is vital for fostering a healthy quality of life for everyone.
When I received the exciting news that I would be organizing an event in collaboration with key stakeholders from the LGBTQ+ community, I felt a surge of enthusiasm. Partnering with IE Prism Collective, a vibrant organization dedicated to supporting Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) in the Inland Empire of Southern California, we set our sights on a beach trip to Dana Point via the Metrolink train.
In the spirit of the upcoming Week Without Driving, I was inspired to delve deeper into the transportation details of our event. With around 50 participants joining us from various corners of the Inland Empire, we demonstrated the potential of public transit to minimize our carbon footprint while showcasing how accessible outdoor spaces can be through eco-friendly transport options. Remarkably, only 10 of our attendees had previously taken the Metrolink to the beach, underscoring the importance of this initiative. Our event aimed to reinforce the idea that the great outdoors is just a metro ride away, especially for communities disproportionately affected by pollution. By utilizing public transport, we established a vital connection between environmental justice and the need for accessible outdoor experiences.
For many QTPOC individuals, the enjoyment of nature is often hindered by historical marginalization and discrimination, which can create barriers to accessing safe and inclusive spaces. Events like our beach trip serve as a powerful counter-narrative, providing a welcoming environment where Queer and Trans individuals can immerse themselves in nature, forge connections, and reclaim their rightful place in the outdoors. Nature offers more than just a scenic backdrop; it provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, promoting both mental and physical well-being. By choosing public transport, we can not only advocate for environmental consciousness but also foster community bonds across diverse backgrounds.
Check out local events and more information about the Week Without Driving challenge from September 30 to October 6th at www.weekwithoutdriving.org. A Week Without Driving Challenge serves as a rallying cry for self-care, environmental justice, and the vital need for awareness in seeking out trails, beaches, and outdoor spaces—whether they are familiar or new. Together, we should continue to champion sustainable practices, advocate for greater and equal access to nature and our public lands, and strive for climate justice for all communities.
Let’s keep pushing for a future where everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature, free from the constraints of pollution and inequality.