AMGA

AFFINITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 
FOR LGBTQIA2S+ 
SINGLE PITCH INSTRUCTOR COURSE

PROGRAMS

49 AMGA
SCHOLARSHIPS
LATER AND WE’RE
JUST GETTING
STARTED

Over the five years the course has been offered, 14 members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community are now Certified Single Pitch Instructors, the first climbing guide certification offered by American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). This certification allows individuals with proven skills to serve as leaders in the climbing community as Rock Climbing Instructors and examples to others who aren’t yet widely represented in the sport. 

Bird’s Eye View

EACH YEAR TAKES PLACE IN A NEW LOCATION, FROM RED ROCK CANYON TO JOSHUA TREE. IN 2024, BOTH PROGRAMS MET IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS IN BREVARD, NORTH CAROLINA.

Credit (All Photos): Nikki Smith

Sean Taft-Morales leading a Single Pitch Instructor course in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Surveys from the American Alpine Club and Outdoor Industry Association confirm what can be observed at most gyms and crags around the country: the climbing community consists predominantly of white men. That means, for folks who fall outside of these demographics—women, queer and trans folks, people of color, or those with any combination of these identities—it can be difficult to access climbing instruction and mentorship.

Safe learning environments is essential for developing the skills associated with mountain guiding. In creating these environments, the AMGA considers diversity and inclusion to be a risk management issue. Emotional safety needs to be prioritized when it shapes the way they participate in a learning space. When educational programs are designed without the emotional needs of underrepresented identity groups in mind, it’s a disservice to the students they’re trying to serve.

Affinity courses bridge this gap to create an intentional and dedicated learning space for underrepresented groups. The instructors for these courses hold under-represented identities in outdoor rec themselves, as well as demonstrated commitments to diversity and inclusion. And, the benefits are clear…

LED BY
SEAN TAFT-MORALES

“I’ve been climbing for over 25 years, and in that time, I’ve undergone numerous journeys of self-discovery. I’ve learned that the climbing world was tolerant, if not particularly excited to see and welcome the fullness of my trans and non-binary identities. I was lucky; many others have found their welcomes to be far less warm…  

While I have found many strong allies and friends among clients, co-workers, mentors, and colleagues, this course was the first time in over 15 years of guiding that I have felt fully able to be out, to be seen, and to celebrate the trans part of my identity while working. Being able to play a role in creating that space for others queer and trans climbers just starting their guiding careers is one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career.”

-Sean Taft-Morales (they/them) 
AMGA Rock Instructor & SPI Provider

SHE/HER

Mac
Dvorak

THEY/THEM

”

AARON FRYE, HE/HIM, 2024 ALUM

A participant in the AMGA SPI Course smiling at the camera.

Everyone watching a demonstration during the AMGA SPI Course.

ALL ABOUT THE AMGA

AMERICAN MOUNTAIN GUIDES ASSOCIATION 1979

SUPPORTING MOUNTAIN GUIDES

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is the leader in education, standards, and advocacy for professional guides and climbing instructors. As the leading organization of America’s most vibrant, inspiring community of climbers and skiers, the AMGA offers cutting-edge knowledge and hundreds of years of collective experience.

Learn More