Here at wilder + wonder, we are all about:
We believe that everyone we meet has something to teach us.
And we are committed to being more aware of what it’s like to be a traveller with disabilities, a traveller of color, and/or a LGBTQ+ traveller.
That being said,
I (Lauren) move through the world as, well, myself — a white woman with a lot of privilege. And as sensitive and informed as I can be to others experiences in the world around me, I can only speak to my experiences.
A lot of this came about from people in my own life asking me questions: My gay friends asking me if Italy is safe for them to travel in, after telling them about a three week excursion I’ve got my sights set on. My asian friend asking me if Charleston, South Carolina was a safe place for him to travel (and I’ll admit, even after living there for three years, I still don’t know the answer).
Your safety is my priority
My promise to you is that I will do my absolute best to provide the most accurate information to you from personal, boots on the ground experience combined with research. BUT please know, I cannot guarantee your safety anymore than I can guarantee my own.
Just because I felt perfectly safe traveling solo through South Dakota, doesn’t mean that will also be your experience. Just because my gay friends made the decision to get married on Maui for their inclusive environment, doesn’t mean we escaped some off-handed remarks on our way to the beach ceremony.
Please, do your due diligence, practice situational awareness, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t question the feeling and get yourself out of there.
Things we’re working on:
We won’t always get it right.
But we are committed to a growth-mindset — to learning and to being better. To setting aside ego and preconceived notions to let the true story emerge (messy, uncomfortable, and difficult as they may be).
Some things on our radar we want to get better at:
We know that sometimes, you have to step back in order to move forward.
We also know it’s better to call in than to call out. If we missed something, aren’t seeing the whole picture, or just got something flat out wrong, drop us a line and let’s talk about it! (We’re here to learn, but disrespect will not be tolerated or engaged with)
