Apayauq Reitan, an Iñupiaq dog musher from Norway, is a trailblazer in the world of competitive mushing, not only for her exceptional skills but also for her role in championing transgender rights. In 2019, she made her debut at the renowned Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as a rookie, finishing in an impressive 28th place. Completing the grueling 1,000-mile race in 12 days, 5 hours, 15 minutes, and 17 seconds, she also participated in the Yukon Quest that same year.
However, it was in 2022 that Reitan made history as the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Iditarod. This milestone not only marked a personal achievement but also symbolized a larger victory for the transgender community, as Reitan's presence in the race brought much-needed visibility to issues surrounding gender identity and equality. Additionally, Reitan holds dual citizenship in both Norway and the United States, further emphasizing her connection to both cultures and her diverse background. Reitan's journey into the public spotlight was documented in the short film "Apayauq", directed by Zeppelin Zeerip and released in 2023. The film, which won the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the 2023 Inside Out Film and Video Festival, delves deeply into Reitan's life, showcasing her struggles, triumphs, and the intersection of her passion for mushing with her fight for transgender rights.
.jpg)
The 2022 Iditarod ceremonial start in Anchorage was a pivotal moment not only for Reitan but also for the transgender community. As she prepared for the race, the morning was marked by a fierce snowstorm, and Reitan raised a blue, pink, and white transgender pride flag on a pole attached to her sled. This symbolic gesture underscored her role as the first openly trans woman to compete in the event, a powerful moment of both personal affirmation and advocacy. Prior to this, Reitan had kept her gender identity private during her first Iditarod run in 2019. However, by 2022, she felt that being open about her transition was essential. As she explained, she saw this as an opportunity to advocate for trans rights and create greater visibility for transgender individuals. During the race, she also documented her experience, creating a film about her journey. Over the course of 12 challenging days on the trail, Reitan filmed moments of her adventure, blending this footage with childhood home videos, family moments, and reflections on her experiences as a transgender woman. In the 16-minute "Apayauq", viewers are introduced to a range of personal and cultural elements of Reitan's life. The film alternates between scenes of Reitan preparing traditional subsistence foods in Kaktovik - her summer home - and interacting with her family’s sled dogs in Norway, where she also spent part of her childhood. Throughout, Reitan's voiceovers provide insight into her early years, recounting how she felt the desire to be a girl from a young age, despite societal expectations and personal struggles with her identity. Reitan's reflection on her childhood highlights how, as a kindergartner, she openly expressed the wish to grow up as a girl, a desire that was suppressed for years due to a lack of understanding about transgender identities. She was exposed to the concept of being transgender only later in life, at which point most representations of trans people in the media were negative, either portraying them as the butt of jokes or as tragic figures.
.jpg)
Reitan found a sense of freedom and clarity in dog mushing, which provided her with the opportunity to disconnect from gendered expectations. She explained that during the physically demanding races, where everyone wears similar gear to cope with the extreme cold, there was a rare space where gender did not matter. This anonymity in nature allowed her to focus solely on the task at hand, without the societal pressures related to her gender identity. By 2021, Reitan publicly came out as transgender. She expressed that this decision was not about choosing to be a woman but about finally listening to herself and embracing her true identity. As she prepared for her second Iditarod in 2022, Reitan, who was studying photography in Trondheim, decided to document her journey. Initially planning to make the film alone, she ultimately enlisted the help of director Zeppelin Zeerip. While documenting her Iditarod experience was challenging - given the cold temperatures, technical difficulties with filming equipment, and the strain of managing a team of dogs - Reitan pushed through, even with the logistical challenges. Reitan’s run in the 2022 Iditarod was an arduous one, but it was also a historic one. She became the first openly transgender woman to compete in the race, finishing in 37th place after 13 days, 8 hours, 39 minutes, and 13 seconds, and earning the Red Lantern award. This prestigious honor is given to the last musher to finish, yet it holds a special significance, symbolizing resilience and determination.
Beyond the physical demands of the race, Reitan's participation also made her an advocate for transgender rights. She used her platform to speak out against policies that restrict the rights of transgender people, especially the 2022 Alaskan school sports ban, which sought to prevent trans girls from competing in girls' sports. Reitan criticized this policy, noting how Iñupiaq culture had historically been more accepting of transgender identities, even considering it "common in many communities." She is passionate about raising awareness and combating anti-transgender rhetoric, which she feels is pervasive in both Alaska and nationwide. The film "Apayauq" also serves as an important tool for raising awareness about the challenges faced by transgender people. During screenings across Alaska, including one in Juneau coinciding with a public hearing for House Bill 105 - a bill that would restrict trans students’ access to gender-related programs and services - Reitan testified against the legislation. She emphasized the harm caused by such measures, especially for trans youth who do not have access to education about gender and who experience isolation and rejection due to societal misconceptions. One of the most poignant aspects of Reitan’s advocacy is her concern for the mental and emotional well-being of transgender youth. The Trevor Project’s survey data revealed that more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth have considered suicide, underscoring the urgent need for supportive policies and inclusive education. Reitan’s own experiences with feeling alienated and misunderstood have fueled her determination to protect and support trans youth, who often struggle to find acceptance in their families and communities.
.jpg)
Throughout her journey, Reitan has been fortunate to have the support of her family, who attended her screenings in Nome. Her parents, both of whom have been accepting of her transition, have been a source of strength. Reitan shared that she had once feared that her family might not accept her, but their unwavering support was a critical factor in her personal and public advocacy. For Reitan, however, acceptance was never a prerequisite for her to live authentically. She emphasized that she would have pursued her transition regardless of her family’s response, although she is grateful for their love and understanding. Sadly, not all transgender individuals have the same support system. Many face the heartbreaking reality of rejection and fear of losing their families, which can delay their ability to transition and live openly. Reitan’s advocacy is deeply tied to her desire to ensure that trans people, especially youth, have the resources, support, and freedom to live as their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or isolation. Apayauq Reitan’s story is one of courage, resilience, and advocacy. As a musher, she has faced the challenges of the Iditarod, pushing herself and her dogs to their limits. But her journey has also been about much more than racing. It is a story of finding freedom in the wilderness, living authentically, and advocating for the rights of transgender people. Through her documentary "Apayauq" and her public appearances, Reitan continues to inspire others to live truthfully and fight for a world where transgender individuals are accepted, supported, and safe. In Reitan’s own words, her hope is simple yet profound: “I want to see as many trans people survive as possible.”
Image credits: YouTube
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment