Season 2 Episode 2 with Emerald LaFortune - Coming Out: Identity, Sexuality, Allyship

Instagram has been a great resource for me to connect with other anglers and it’s exactly how I met Emerald LaFortune. I found alignment in her posts and content when it comes to topics of LGBTQ+, racial and social justice, as well as being a female in male dominated spaces such as whitewater boating and fly fishing. Emerald is a writer, guide, and angler based in Idaho.

This is also the first time we’ve actually connected outside DMs and emails. I could get lost in her voice, her way with words, and hearing her stories and perspective. We likely could have spiraled offf into many topics but today we discuss her identity, how the dominant culture can support women and LGBTQ+ boaters and anglers. We also break down an article about fly names. I especially loved hearing how she navigates social justice while being a white woman.

So often I hear from white folks that they just want to get it right, or they don't want to mess up. I find it important to elevate Emerald’s voice because she struggles navigating those ideals as well and we don’t talk about it because it can get awkward.

Resources:

• https://freerangeamerican.us/fly-fishing-flies/

• http://oregonflyfishingblog.com/2021/02/23/because-our-words-matter-sexual-violence-and-the-fly-fishing-industry/

• https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10156247024064360

• https://www.emeraldlafortune.com/

Instagram: @emeraldlensmedia