The women I have the pleasure of knowing through climbing are incredible. They are strong, brilliant and endlessly multifaceted. And yet, for many of us, there is a seemingly endless struggle against a raging current of gender norms and ideologies around femininity. It’s time for the sun to set on the antiquated concept that strength and beauty cannot coincide. My strength and power have allowed me opportunities that the terrified, teenage version of myself, who was afraid that looking bulky meant she had to let go of her femininity, could never have dreamed possible. Being able to climb and compete with my heroes who I now have the honor of calling friends has taught me that wearing the musculature that I work so hard for with pride, does not make me any less feminine. That having muscles plays a part of who I am but doesn’t negate the remainder of