In July of 2018, I woke up for the first time quite close to the Appalachian Trail (I had slept just off trail near Mt. Greylock). I did not know where my next 16 ounces of water was going to come from, I was tired, I had realized I knew nothing about ‘base weight,’ and I was worried. It was the best anxiety of my entire life. I should say I have biked in Boston and guided people on 3 hour canopy / zipline tours. Backpacking was better than both. As I found water that morning and approached my car on the final descent, I could not wait until my next journey. Almost 12 months later, here I am. The Queer Theologian Hiker. I should say, a queer theologian hiker (we are everywhere, after all). My trail name will be QT starting this summer when I take to the Appalachian Trail. I have a grand dream, one that I dare not type on to this page.
The morning I woke up inside my awesome Marmot tent and then first encountered another human, they did not know my gender. I am fine with that conundrum, but other people do not seem to be. We ended up having a great conversation; he was an idealistic SOBO (south bound thru-hiker). I just hold those gender variant moments with care and tact – at least as best as I am able. Since my obsession of the Appalachian Trail has developed, I have discovered that there is not enough trail writing specific for queer people. This page serves a dual purpose: 1) to be a resource for queer hikers and backpackers and 2) to offer theological reflection pertaining to my own lived experience of the Appalachian Trail. I will include reviews of gear, notes about hiking and backpacking and general reflections that relate to spirituality and my own Christian faith. I hope you enjoy some of this!
As Matt & Kim sing: “Let’s go!”
“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but I do not have love, I am nothing.” 1st Corinthians 13:2b
QT Hiker (A Queer Theologian Hiker) 