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A group of mostly old, white guys surprised everyone by voting to not allow women into their secret club. The Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles is a group of explorers and dare devils that's been around for the past 93 years, always allowing only male members. Recently, they held a vote as to whether they would begin to allow women as members, ultimately deciding 32-30 to keep it men only, KPCC reports.
The members of Adventurers' Club have run marathons, weathered sea storms and walked on the moon. Weekly, they dine and entertain each other with their own personal origin stories. They currently meet in their headquarters near Broadway and Daly in downtown Los Angeles where a stuffed polar bear hangs out. (There are other similar clubs in other cities.)
If Indiana Jones were a real human (though some say he was), he'd be a member. Han Solo? Member. Just about every Harrison Ford character ever? Member. Alan Grant? Member. Ellie Sattler? NOT A MEMBER. Actual members do include Buzz Aldrin who walked on the moon and James Cameron, who directed Titantic and went on a deep-sea voyage. Travel writer Dana Lamb was a member, too, and the canoe he and his wife, Ginger, used to sail on their adventures in the mid-1900s is on display at the Adventurers' Club's HQ. Ginger, of course, was denied membership, even though the couple adventured together.
According to group's website, the things that define an adventurer include a lust for extreme travel and a survivalist spirit. They have a list of activities ideal members would enjoy.
It includes: Racing, mountaineering, "travel to remote areas of the world not readily accessible by guided tour," "survival gear field hunting," extreme skiing," "extended balloon or glider trips" and exploring the final frontier. Basically, if you enjoy activities where you might die of exposure, ancient curse or adrenaline overdose, you're a candidate as long as you're also a man.
While women can come and speak at the club or occasionally attend as a guest, they will be barred from being a true member. The club does host occasional 'Ladies Nights' that "feature programs that appeal to a larger, more diverse audience." Like, you know, chicks.
Marc Weitz, Adventurers' Club's immediate past president and member of the 21st century, told KPCC he was disappointed and might put the issue up for a vote again next year. He also said that when he brought it up this year, one man was so upset that he resigned, AP reports.
It's sort of funny because the page specifically says that the phrase, "There is so much more to life if you ignore the rules and take chances," defines their members.
Okay, so the boys get to keep their secret club for at least another year. What is an adventuring woman to do? What about the women who aspire to be more like Amelia Earhart, Nellie Bly, Zora Neale Hurston and Sally Ride than Martha Stewart? Well, the fictitious Leslie Knope of Parks & Recreation faced this same dilemma when a little girl wasn't allowed into the Pawnee Rangers. She created the Pawnee Goddesses. They had a puppy party and made Gertrude Steins, and eventually (spoiler alert) decided to even let boys into their club because they valued gender inclusivity. If you're not into making your own club, you can also join Explorers Club.
