Cal Dobbs' Transcontinental Run
Cal Dobbs, (he/they) the first reported transgender hiker to complete the triple crown of hiking, has embarked on an incredible journey - a transcontinental cross-country run from the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, March 10, 2023. His transcontinental run will fulfill a lifelong dream while also raising awareness for queer and transgender rights across the U.S.
“This year is already the worst year for anti-transgender legislation in America,” Dobbs said. “42 states have proposed 455 anti-trans bills, and we know the fight for trans rights is being fought on two main battlefields: trans people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare.”
Dobbs is uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges as a trans athlete and a beneficiary of gender-affirming healthcare. A decorated endurance athlete, Dobbs graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania in 2018. Two days later, they set off from Springer Mountain in Georgia to take on the Appalachian Trail. Soon after hiking the trail’s 2,000+ miles, Dobbs continued on to the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. In August 2022, Dobbs became the first known transgender person to complete the Triple Crown of hiking by finishing all three National Scenic Trails.
Dobbs underwent life-saving top surgery one month prior to starting the transcontinental run and plans to start hormone replacement therapy soon. They're adamant about making sure the level of care they have received is available to all trans people.
“During my run,” Dobbs said, “I believe I can make transformative connections with people across geographic, political, and ideological lines that have the potential to catalyze lasting change, but I can’t do it alone.”
Dobbs started the run in their hometown of LA and headed east to traverse eight southern states and ultimately reach the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. Along the way, Dobbs plans to fundraise and advocate for LGBTQ organizations operating in each state.
To become a triple crowner, one must complete the 2,000-mile-long Appalachian Trail, the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail, and the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Cal's accomplishment is a testament to their determination and perseverance.
During these scary and unprecedented times for trans people, the top priority is safety, which is why the first fundraiser to kick off this run across America is for Trans Lifeline. Trans Lifeline is a grassroots non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive. The organization is committed to providing support to trans people who are frequently denied the emotional and financial support they need to thrive. Trans Lifeline is also dedicated to building a resilient trans community through direct services designed, provided, and coordinated by trans peers.
The hotline and microgrants program offered by Trans Lifeline are designed to provide peer support to trans people who need it, including in moments of crisis and suicidality. The Microgrants program provides low-barrier grants to trans people in need of hormone replacement therapy, legal name changes and updated IDs—as well as specialized support for trans people who are incarcerated or detained.
Cal is running to build community and uplift trans people fighting for equality during the most acute anti-trans period this country has ever experienced (from a legislative standpoint). Cal is running for all LGBTQ+ people to have access to the rights and freedoms that everyone else enjoys.
Cal Dobbs is an inspiring person who is dedicated to making the world a better place for trans people. Their transcontinental cross-country run is a testament to their determination and perseverance. To support Dobbs and follow along, visit: https://www.caldobbs.com.