CANCELLED: Potbelly Perspectives: Out in the West

Out in the West: A Gay Photographers Journey To Finding Community in the Ski Industry

by Stephen Shelesky

CANCELLED 

Due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in Pitkin County, Stephen is unable to join us this year for Potbelly Perspectives.

When Stephen Shelesky first moved to Jackson, Wyoming in 2017 he didn’t expect to find the community that would allow him to embrace all parts of his identity, let alone forge a career in action sports photography. For a long time, photography helped Stephen deny who he was, it was an outlet and an escape from an internal struggle around his sexuality. 

While pursuing photography full time had remained a lifelong dream, it was the community in Jackson that brought this to fruition and ultimately led him to find the confidence and courage come out as gay and step full into his most authentic self. Today, Stephen is a successful photographer, with an action sports portfolio that spans Wyoming, Japan, British Columbia, Iceland, and beyond. This is a story of perseverance, introspection, and self-discovery catalyzed by photography and skiing.

About Potbelly Perspectives

ACES’ Potbelly Perspectives speaker series features Aspen locals and visitors who share their exciting accounts of world travel and adventure through images and stories. This series provides an opportunity for community-building and story-telling that engages Aspen locals and visitors alike.

COVID-19 Protocols

To help keep our community healthy, attendees ages 13 and older will be required at check-in to show proof that they have received the complete Covid-19 vaccine or a negative Covid-19 test on a specimen taken no longer than 72 hours prior to the event. Photo ID will also be required for verification. No information will be stored or copied to ensure privacy is protected. 

For proof of vaccination you can use:

• CDC Vaccination Card. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
• Vaccination Record or other official immunization record, including from your healthcare provider. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.

For proof of a negative test you can use:

• Written proof of a negative Covid-19 test from a licensed healthcare provider that includes the date and time of the test as well as the result. A digital photo or photocopy is also acceptable.

Individuals who do not have proof of vaccination or a negative test result will not be permitted entrance. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. All individuals age two and older are required to wear a mask indoors when within six feet of another person at all times except when temporarily eating and drinking. Mask wearing will be strictly enforced.

With questions or comments about this program, please contact Molly O’Leary, ACES Events Manager, at moleary@aspennature.org or call 970.925.5756.