Robbi Mecus, a New York State forest ranger who was a prominent figure within the L.G.B.T.Q. climbing community, tragically passed away after falling about 1,000 feet from a peak at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska at the age of 52. Mecus, who had worked for 25 years with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, was known for her search-and-rescue missions in the Adirondacks, where she helped find and rescue lost or injured climbers facing various dangers in the wilderness. She recently participated in the rescue of a frostbitten hiker in the Adirondack Mountains.
Coming out as transgender at the age of 44, Mecus aimed to create a supportive community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning climbers in the North Country of New York. In interviews, she expressed her desire for trans individuals to see that they are capable of achieving amazing things and that their lives do not have to be defined by negativity. She also emphasized the importance of representation and visibility for young trans people to feel empowered and confident in their identities.
Basil Seggos, the former commissioner of New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation, praised Mecus as a “pillar of strength” and a strong advocate for L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights. He highlighted her dedication to difficult rescues and crises and expressed his gratitude for having known her. Mecus was born in New York City in 1971 and grew up in Brooklyn in a Catholic, working-class family, where she developed a love for mountains and forests from a young age.
Having identified as female since childhood, Mecus struggled with her identity for many years before coming out as transgender. She was married and had a child before finding a supportive online community where she felt comfortable expressing herself authentically. Through her leadership in the L.G.B.T.Q. climbing community, she aimed to provide a model for others and share her experiences to support those navigating similar challenges. Mecus passed away while climbing Mount Johnson in Denali National Park along the Escalator route, a challenging alpine climb involving steep rock, ice, and snow.
Mecus’ partner, Carolyn Riccardi, spoke of her love for complex climbs like the one on Mount Johnson and described her as instrumental in building the L.G.B.T.Q. climbing community. Mecus leaves behind her daughter and a legacy as a trailblazer in the climbing world and the L.G.B.T.Q. community. In her interviews, she reflected on her journey to understanding and embracing her identity beyond societal stereotypes and highlighted the importance of defining one’s gender on one’s own terms. She emphasized the impact of self-acceptance and authenticity in her personal growth and development.
