LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast

Malorie Soulier & L.D. Carter: Finding Your Tribe Outdoors
What is it really like to join an LGBTQ Outdoors Adventure Trip? In this episode, Justin and Patrick sits down with Malorie Soulier and L.D. Carter to reflect on their experience on the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure Trip.
From the nerves of signing up for your first trip to the excitement of seeing moose, grizzlies, and bison in the wild, they talk about what makes these trips special. They also share how LGBTQ Outdoors creates an environment where people can take things at their own pace, build community, and feel like they belong.
In This Episode:
 How Malorie and L.D. first discovered LGBTQ Outdoors through Pride events 
 Malorie's experience in the Dallas LGBTQ Outdoors community and her new role as an Ambassador Event Coordinator 
 How seeing the LGBTQ Outdoors banner at Frisco Pride helped L.D. find his people 
 How pre-trip Zoom calls help participants feel comfortable and prepared 
 Malorie's unforgettable experience seeing a mama moose and two calves 
 L.D.'s favorite Yellowstone moment: watching bison in their natural environment 
 How local guides add history, ecology, and conservation knowledge to the experience 
 The importance of flexibility, rest days, and going at your own pace 
 Challenges with altitude, especially for participants coming from lower elevations 
 How guided trips can change the experience of visiting a park you've been to before 
 Advice for anyone considering their first LGBTQ Outdoors Adventure Trip 
 A look at the Trailblazers Society and how you can support LGBTQ Outdoors 
Get Involved with LGBTQ Outdoors
Want to find your own tribe outdoors? There are lots of ways to get involved with LGBTQ Outdoors:
Explore upcoming events and Adventure Trips:
https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/
Find a local chapter or connect with an Ambassador: LGBTQ Outdoors has chapters and events across the country, and you don't have to be a chapter member to attend. 
Become an Ambassador: Help create welcoming outdoor experiences for LGBTQIA+ people in your community. 
Join the Trailblazers Society: Become a monthly supporter and help LGBTQ Outdoors continue creating inclusive outdoor experiences. 
Subscribe to the newsletter: Stay up to date on upcoming events, Adventure Trips, programs, and LGBTQ Outdoors news. 
Listen, subscribe, and leave a review: If you enjoyed this episode, help us spread the word by subscribing to the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast and leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts.
Connect with us: Follow LGBTQ Outdoors on social media and join the conversation. 
You don't have to be an experienced adventurer to get started. You just have to show up.
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 episode, we sit down with Benji Zecher, a queer Pacific Northwest-based educator and naturalist, to talk about their journey into ocean conservation, freediving, and outdoor education.
Benji shares how the ocean became both a teacher and a refuge, and how connecting with nature can support mental health, build community, and inspire us to become better stewards of the places we love.
We also explore the importance of representation in environmental and outdoor spaces, the role of Indigenous stewardship, and how challenging colonial ideas about conservation can create more inclusive and connected relationships with nature.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Benji's journey from landscape architecture to ocean conservation and stewardship
How freediving has shaped their relationship with the ocean
The mental health benefits of spending time in nature and the water
Why queer and Indigenous representation matters in conservation
The ocean as a place of refuge, learning, and connection
What applied freediving means and its cultural significance
How colonial ideas have shaped environmental and queer spaces
The role of harvesting and stewardship in maintaining healthy ecosystems
Building more inclusive outdoor and environmental communities
Why representation can help more people see themselves as part of the conservation movement
Connect With LGBTQ Outdoors
Get outside with us! LGBTQ Outdoors creates inclusive opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to connect with nature, build community, and explore together.
Join the Community: Visit LGBTQOutdoors.com to learn more about our events, Adventure Trips, ambassadors, and ways to get involved.
Become a Trailblazer: Support LGBTQ Outdoors year-round by joining the Trailblazers Society, our monthly giving community. Your support helps us create more opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people to experience the outdoors.
Enjoying the Podcast? Help us spread the word! Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people discover the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast.
Follow LGBTQ Outdoors: Stay connected with us on social media for upcoming events, outdoor adventures, stories, and more.
Support Our Work: Your support helps us continue creating welcoming outdoor spaces and breaking down barriers to outdoor recreation for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Get outside. Find your people. Be yourself.

Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

Celebrating Pride and Authenticity with Chris Housman
This Pride Month, we sit down with queer country artist Chris Housman to talk about growing up in a small rural town in Kansas, coming out in a small community, and finding the courage to live authentically. Chris shares how both music and the outdoors have played an important role in his journey, and how his groundbreaking song "Blue Neck" is helping challenge stereotypes while creating space for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in country music.
In this episode, we discuss:
 Chris's upbringing in a small Kansas town and his experience growing up LGBTQ+ 
 The role of music and nature in healing, self-discovery, and authentic self-expression 
 The inspiration behind Blue Neck and its impact on country music and LGBTQ+ representation 
 How community, exposure, and visibility can help foster acceptance and belonging 
 The future of country music and the importance of embracing diversity, authenticity, and new voices 
Whether you're a country music fan, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone navigating your own path toward authenticity, this conversation is a powerful reminder that there is strength in being exactly who you are.
Connect with Chris:
Chris Hausman - Official Website
Chris Hausman on Instagram
Chris Hausman on TikTok
Note: This episode celebrates Pride and encourages everyone to embrace their authentic selves. Remember, you're never alone in your journey.
Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

Pride Month Special: Celebrating Queer Nature with Nova West
This Pride Month, we’re joined by Nova West (they/them), a National Geographic Explorer, underwater cinematographer, and visual storyteller exploring the connection between queerness and the natural world.
In this episode, Nova shares how their work in wildlife media and deep sea exploration has helped challenge the harmful idea that queerness is “unnatural.” From documented queer behavior in over 1,500 species to the importance of authentic representation both behind and in front of the camera, this conversation dives into the beauty, complexity, and diversity already present in nature.
We also talk about identity, storytelling, visibility, and the power of creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people can fully be themselves — outdoors and beyond.
This episode is a reminder that queer people have always belonged in nature because queerness has always existed in nature.
In This Episode
Nova’s journey into underwater cinematography and wildlife storytelling
What it means to be a National Geographic Explorer
Queer behavior documented across more than 1,500 species
Why representation in nature media matters
Challenging stereotypes through authentic storytelling
The realities and challenges of wildlife filmmaking and exploration
Community-centered projects including Brave Trails and Deep as Our Roots
Finding belonging, identity, and connection through the outdoors
About Nova West
Nova West (they/them) is a National Geographic Explorer, cinematographer, photographer, and creative focused on telling stories at the intersection of wildlife, science, identity, and conservation. Their work explores how representation can reshape the way we understand both nature and ourselves.
Resources & Links
Nova West Website
Instagram: @novawest
Brave Trails LGBTQ+ Youth Camp
Deep as Our Roots (upcoming project)
Breck Pride Events with LGBTQ Outdoors
We also highlight a few upcoming Pride events happening in Breckenridge, Colorado in partnership with LGBTQ Outdoors:
Vendor Fair
https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/events/rebecca06122026
Half Day Hike
https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/events/soich06122026
Group Bike Ride
https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/events/chapin06132026
Connect with LGBTQ Outdoors
Website: LGBTQOutdoors.com
Instagram: @lgbtqoutdoors
If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a review, or supporting LGBTQ Outdoors by helping us continue creating inclusive outdoor spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Happy Pride Month, and remember: you belong outside.

Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.

Breaking Barriers in Fly Fishing: The Journey of J. Michelle Swope
In this episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder and Patrick Thompson sit down with J. Michelle Swope to talk about her journey into fly fishing, what it means to create more inclusive spaces in the outdoors, and the importance of representation in the fly fishing community.
Michelle shares her experiences as a queer woman in the industry, the work she is doing through her fly shop and guide service, and how events like the Roslyn Riffle are helping build connection, confidence, and community for anglers of all backgrounds. The conversation also dives into conservation, mentorship, and why creating welcoming outdoor spaces matters.
In This Episode
 Michelle’s journey into fly fishing and guiding 
 Representation and inclusivity in the fly fishing world 
 Building community through outdoor experiences 
 Conservation and protecting outdoor spaces 
 Details about the upcoming Roslyn Riffle 2026 event 
Resources
Crow Creek Fly Shop and Guide Service
United Women on the Fly
iFish I Belong
Roslyn Riffle 2026 Event
LGBTQ Outdoors
Connect with J. Michelle Swope
Instagram @jmichelle.swope
Crow Creek Fly Shop Website
Stay Connected
Be sure to sign up for the LGBTQ Outdoors newsletter on our homepage at LGBTQ Outdoors to stay informed about upcoming events, podcast episodes, community stories, and opportunities to get involved.
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Ratings and reviews help more people discover the show, expand conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the outdoors, and support the growth of this community.
Keywords
Fly fishing, LGBTQ Outdoors, inclusivity, representation, conservation, queer outdoors, women in fly fishing, community building, Roslyn Riffle, outdoor leadership, fly fishing guide, LGBTQ community

Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.