Don’t be shy, just ask
FAQs about the Crush Collective
What does the Crush Collective do?
The Crush Collective is a non-profit climbing group based on Treaty 7 territory in Banff, Alberta, that creates a welcoming space for all people who have experienced gendered oppression to get out and climb. We do that through monthly climbing meetups, clinics, and organized events both indoors and out, that share knowledge, build community and help us grow as climbers and people. Check out our upcoming events.
Who is the Crush Collective for?
Whatever level you climb at—even if you’ve never tied in before—if you’ve experienced gendered oppression and want to get together and climb, Crush is for you. We used to be known as the “girl crew” but we’ve evolved since we first started crushing together in 2018. We’ve expanded our mission to create a space for folks who have experienced gendered oppression because we want this to be an inclusive space for voices that have historically been silenced.
When you’re at a Crush event, you’re in an anti-oppressive, welcoming space. We learn each other’s pronouns. We’re not afraid to make mistakes but we always approach each other with vulnerability, openness and respect.
What is gendered oppression? Does this apply to me?
Gendered oppression exists when institutions favour and privileges are given to the dominant group (cis men) and exclude the minority group. You can find many examples of gendered oppression around the world and likely in your day-to-day life, from unequal protections for trans folks, to how “women” make up two thirds of the world’s population who aren’t able to read, or how, in Canada, “girls” are more than three times as likely to drop out of sport as a teen, compared to “boys”*. Crush is a space for those who don’t fall into the dominant gender narrative in society to show up as themselves—unapologetically—to connect, have fun and climb!
*We use the terms “women,” “girls” and “boys” when sharing these statistics because that is the language used by the authors of the reports.
But why do we need inclusive spaces in climbing? I just want to climb!
By creating inclusive climbing spaces, we’re building a community that’s free from harassment, judgement and discrimination. When you’re given a safe space to be yourself, incredible things can happen like learning, growth and connection. Giving people that room to be themselves safely is part of an equitable future for everyone.
If you don’t think these types of spaces are needed, they’re probably not for you.
I’m a cis, straight male who’s interested in a Crush event, can I participate?
We aim to create anti-oppressive spaces for climbers who have experienced gendered oppression. Allies are welcome in Crush Collective spaces and events, but they must act as allies. That means that you don’t make assumptions and are prepared to listen, learn and grow. Don’t come to a Crush event expecting others to teach you how to be an ally. Do your own homework on pronouns, inclusive spaces and being an ally in those spaces before arriving. We expect that people will make mistakes (we all do!) but to crush with us you need to be willing to accept and learn from those mistakes.