It seems like every day there are new allegations of sexual misconduct in politics or media. But what about sexual harassment or assault in the outdoor industry?
The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association is hosting their annual meeting in Boise Thursday, featuring a discussion about hostile work environments on western rivers. Freelance journalist Jayme Moye will talk about her reporting on the Colorado river guide industry and the culture of harassment and violence that she found there.
“We don’t want that in our work environment," says Moye. "We like to have fun. We don’t want to be objectified. And I think that’s OK to start thinking about that, and I think that’s the message that we’re trying to start with.”
Moye interviewed female guides who have found themselves in unsafe working environments.
“Mix in pot or beer or bourbon and the remoteness of the river and the feeling that anything goes where you’re out in the wilderness and you’ve got a situation where something that starts off as seemingly harmless fun can escalate rather quickly.”
Moye says the outdoor industry may be a little behind the #MeToo movement, but that things are starting to change. She points to new anti-harassment policies rafting companies are adopting, including one drafted in Idaho by the Middle Fork Outfitters Association.
The journalist says the first step in changing the culture is to encourage and listen to women.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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