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.

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