Episode Description:

In this episode of Podcast Alchemy, we delve into the transformative journey of Erin Parisi, a trailblazing mountaineer and founder of TranSending7. Erin shares her path from confronting personal fears to embracing the vastness of the world’s highest peaks, all while navigating the complexities of her identity as a transgender woman.

Erin recounts the inception of her ambitious goal to climb the Seven Summits, a challenge that became a metaphor for reclaiming her life and passions post-transition. She speaks candidly about the initial steps of venturing beyond her neighborhood, overcoming the trauma of past assaults, and reigniting her love for outdoor sports. The Seven Summits presented not just a physical challenge, but a framework for personal growth and risk management.

She reflects on the scarcity of positive transgender narratives in media, noting that most stories focus on adversity rather than triumph. Erin emphasizes her desire to create a positive narrative, one where a transgender person not only survives but thrives and achieves remarkable feats.

Erin also shares poignant moments from her climbs, such as reaching out to help a fellow climber on Mount Elbrus, highlighting the profound connections forged in shared adversity. She discusses her experience in Antarctica, where, despite the harsh conditions and lack of precedent, she felt a euphoric sense of accomplishment.

Challenging the traditional “conqueror” mindset, Erin describes her evolving relationship with nature. She no longer sees it as a battle but as a partnership, where the journey and the lessons learned are the true rewards.

Erin’s initiative, TranSending7, is more than a personal quest; it’s a movement to increase transgender visibility in outdoor sports. By aiming to be the first openly transgender person to complete the Seven Summits, Erin hopes to inspire others and pave the way for greater inclusion.

Join us as Erin Parisi shares her story of resilience, redefining narratives, and finding harmony with the natural world. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one’s true self and the mountains we all have to climb.

For more information on Erin’s mission and to support TranSending7, visit transending7.org.

Timestamps:

0:53 – Erin and Karen discuss the personal journey of hiding and coming into authenticity.

2:52 – Erin reflects on early experiences with gender incongruence and playground survival.

4:30 – Moving away to find space for identity, but still delaying transition.

6:15 – The adventuring spirit and feeling unsupported in old communities.

8:45 – Erin on rediscovering the outdoors as a safe haven.

10:05 – Incremental return to adventure and what “gravity sports” meant to her.

13:00 – Choosing the Seven Summits challenge and confronting global discrimination.

16:05 – The founding of Transcending and the importance of positive trans narratives.

20:45 – On rejecting negativity and choosing joy and visibility.

21:58 – Most meaningful moments from expeditions—human connection over glory.

26:43 – Shifting mindset: from conquering nature to moving with it.

30:05 – Reflections on freedom, safety, and gratitude as a trans traveler.

33:25 – The duality of visibility and the need to sometimes still hide for safety.

36:00 – On being labeled inspirational and navigating role model dynamics.

39:12 – Loving oneself in a world full of judgment and restriction.

41:02 – Responding to hate with empathy or boundaries.

44:05 – Transformation through difficulty: learning to love and be loved again.

47:00 – The alchemy of self-love and ending on a note of shared growth.

Links:

Connect with Karen and The Alchemy Pod on Instagram.

Learn more about Transending: transending7.org

Keywords:

Adventure, Seven Summits, resilience, transgender visibility, self-love, nature, personal growth, inclusion, overcoming fear, outdoor community, identity, Erin Parisi, Karen Darke, empathy, transformation, Transending.

Credits:

The Alchemy Pod presented by BLIMP and Thruhike Studios.

Hosted by:

Karen Darke

Produced by:

Katherine van Hengel

Erica Mellon

Ian Morland

Karen Darke

Original Songs by:

Lucas William Gardner

Mixed & Edited by:

Ian Morland

Developed in association with:

Zach Carver

Liv von Oelreich

Untethered Productions