LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast

Hiking for Visibility: Ryan Schepers’ Appalachian Trail Journey for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Summary
Join us as Ryan Schepers shares his journey of discovering his queerness through nature, his path in environmental science, and his upcoming Appalachian Trail hike to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the outdoors. This conversation explores how curiosity, community, and authenticity can shape our lives—and inspire others to get outside and be fully themselves.
Key Topics
 Ryan’s background in environmental science and cellular biology 
 The intersection of queerness and the natural world 
 The importance of community and representation in outdoor spaces 
 Ryan’s Appalachian Trail hike and fundraising efforts 
 How curiosity and exploration fuel personal growth 
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast
 01:32 – Ryan’s connection to nature
 03:53 – Growing up in Ohio and early outdoor experiences
 09:08 – Curiosity and exploration in nature
 11:25 – Education and career in environmental science
 14:51 – Adventure, biking, and community engagement
 17:57 – Plant science and ecosystem restoration
 18:18 – Queerness in nature
 20:58 – Personal coming out journey
 23:29 – Community and self-discovery
 26:30 – Connecting identity and the outdoors
 29:22 – Preparing for the Appalachian Trail
 32:14 – Representation in outdoor spaces
 34:55 – Encouraging others to explore nature
 37:58 – Fundraising for LGBTQ Outdoors
 41:04 – Final thoughts and call to action
Support Ryan’s Fundraiser
Ryan is hiking the Appalachian Trail to support LGBTQ Outdoors and increase visibility in outdoor spaces.
 👉 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ryan-schepers-hiking-fundraiser

Resources
 LGBTQ Outdoors: https://lgbtqoutdoors.com

 Trailblazers Society: https://lgbtqoutdoors.com/trailblazer

 Ryan Schepers on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lumberjerk

Keywords
LGBTQ outdoors, Appalachian Trail, environmental science, queer identity, outdoor community, LGBTQ+ visibility, hiking fundraiser, nature exploration, diversity in the outdoors, outdoor advocacy
Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

Celebrating Poetry, Queer Outdoors, and Community—An Interview with Poet Patrick Ramsay.
Join us for an inspiring episode where we explore the intersection of poetry, environmental advocacy, and queer identity through the eyes of Utah-based poet Patrick Ramsay. Discover how passion for nature and queerness can be powerful catalysts for connection, resilience, and hope.
Main topics include:
The role of poetry in activism and advocacy for the Great Salt Lake
The importance of inclusive outdoor spaces and community-building
The transformative power of art and community for queer identities in nature
Strategies for urban and rural LGBTQ folks to connect with the outdoors
The founding and impact of Wright Club, a community for writers
Personal stories of coming out, safety, and finding sanctuary in nature
Resources & Links:
Butterflies Are Rare in Beehives - Patrick Ramsey’s debut chapbook
LGBTQ Outdoors - Community organization and event info
Connect with Patrick Ramsay:
Instagram
Join us in celebrating the power of poetry, community, and outdoor connection—because everyone deserves a safe space to be seen, heard, and loved.
Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

Summary
Justin Yoder and Patrick Thompson share a comprehensive update on LGBTQ Outdoors, including recent Pride events, adventure trips, and exciting plans for 2026. They discuss the importance of building inclusive outdoor spaces, expanding community connections, and the organization’s continued growth. The conversation highlights upcoming programs, including LGBTQ Outdoorfest and new adventure trips, while encouraging listeners to get involved and explore the outdoors.
Keywords
LGBTQ Outdoors, outdoor adventures, Pride events, community building, nonprofit organization, adventure trips, 2026 plans, inclusivity, outdoor festivals, national parks
Key Topics
Organizational growth and leadership updates for 2026
Recap of 2025 Pride events and Adventure Trips
Upcoming LGBTQ Outdoorfest and 2026 Adventure Trips
Community building and inclusivity in outdoor spaces
Organizational funding, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts
Hosts
Justin Yoder and Patrick Thompson
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Updates
 02:42 Pride Month Reflections
 05:37 Adventure Trips Recap
 11:26 LGBTQ Outdoorfest Highlights
 17:26 2026 Adventure Trips Preview
 28:05 Organizational Changes and Future Plans
Resources
Alaska Adventure Trip Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9jKf1DOp_k
LGBTQ Outdoors Website – https://lgbtqoutdoors.com
LGBTQ Outdoors YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@LGBTQOutdoors
Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

In this special episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder, Patrick Thompson, and Justin Bickley record from the heart of Alaska during LGBTQ Outdoors’ sold-out adventure trip. With mountains, rivers, and buzzing flies all around, they reflect on days filled with packrafting, glacier hikes, and icy cold plunges. The group shares laughs, lessons, and the unique power of building queer community in wild spaces. From safety and accessibility to pizza nights in the backcountry, this episode captures the magic of connection, courage, and belonging in the outdoors.
Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

In this inspiring episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder and Special Guest Co-Host Justin Bikley sit down in the Oregon forest with Brew Dr. Kombucha founder Matt Thomas to celebrate a new partnership rooted in shared values: inclusivity, sustainability, and community. The episode explores Matt’s journey from launching tea houses to building one of the largest organic kombucha brands in the U.S., all while staying true to his mission of environmental responsibility and radical acceptance. Through laughter, reflection, and powerful storytelling, the conversation underscores the importance of visibility, representation, and the power of choosing to do business differently—for people and planet.
Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.