LGBT+ Outdoors Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Robyn Tackitt: Building Community in Texas
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Justin Yoder
Guest: Robin Thackett, LGBT Outdoors Ambassador for Waco, Texas

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the LGBT+ Outdoors Podcast, host Justin Yoder welcomes Patrick Thompson and introduces Robin Thackett, the LGBT Outdoors Ambassador for Waco, Texas. The discussion centers around building a supportive and inclusive outdoor community within Texas, Robin's personal journey, and the launch of a new initiative—the 100 Mile Club.

Building Community in Texas

Robin Thackett shares her experience discovering LGBT Outdoors through Facebook during a pivotal time in her life. She recounts how she initially found chapters in Dallas and other locations, noting significant growth since her involvement:

“[00:00] Robin Thackett: ‘They didn’t have that many chapters as we do now, but we’ve grown exponentially since I joined.’”

Robin emphasizes the importance of creating and fostering a diverse outdoor community, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of expanding LGBT Outdoors in Texas.

Ambassador Program and Leadership

The conversation delves into the responsibilities and rewards of being an ambassador. Robin explains that ambassadors serve as leaders and role models, providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to enjoy outdoor activities without fear of discrimination:

“[34:26] Robin Thackett: ‘Being an ambassador is being a leader and being the first person to step forward when called to do something that, for a lot of people, can be scary.’”

Robin underscores the bravery required to lead by example, especially in areas where being queer in outdoor spaces may still be challenging. She shares heartfelt moments, such as participants returning for multiple events, which signify the impact of their efforts:

“[33:02] Robin Thackett: ‘When someone comes back a second or third time, it makes me feel real special that they are giving up their day, these hours to come, do something that I’m leaning on.’”

Memorable Outdoor Experiences

Robin recounts several personal outdoor adventures that have shaped her passion. From childhood camping trips to more recent mountain biking and trail running, she illustrates the profound connection between nature and community building:

“[19:56] Robin Thackett: ‘My dad did a lot of hunting and fishing, mostly fishing. And he always dragged me along, and I like fishing for the first 30 minutes to an hour and then I just put my fishing pole down and I’d go explore.’”

One particularly memorable story involves a mountain biking trip with her paramedic partner, Mason, highlighting both the joys and unexpected challenges of outdoor activities:

“[26:17] Robin Thackett: ‘We did a hike through somewhere. I think Collegiate Loop up in Colorado is my go-to when I want to do my first one.’”

Challenges and Resilience

Robin also shares a challenging experience where she was accidentally shot in the neck with a CO₂ pellet gun during a camping trip. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures and the resilience required to overcome such setbacks:

“[24:24] Justin Yoder: ‘Did you just say a shot of the neck, though?’
[24:18] Robin Thackett: ‘Yeah, I was accidentally shot with a pellet from a CO₂ gun while camping.’”

Despite this mishap, Robin remains passionate and committed to leading and inspiring others within the LGBT Outdoors community.

New Initiative: The 100 Mile Club

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unveiling the 100 Mile Club, a new challenge designed to encourage community members to engage in outdoor activities while tracking their progress via the Strava app. Robyn and fellow ambassador Brad Bartman oversee this initiative, which aims to foster friendly competition and personal growth:

“[50:06] Justin Yoder: ‘The 100 Mile Club is a new club within LGBT Outdoors. When you sign up, you get a free T-shirt, and for every 100 miles you complete, you receive a coin.’”

Robin elaborates on the flexibility of the program, allowing participants to choose activities like cycling, kayaking, running, or hiking at their own pace without feeling pressured by time constraints:

“[51:16] Robin Thackett: ‘You can set your goal for however long you want to and go for it. It’s not something you have to do immediately.’”

The initiative not only promotes physical activity and mental well-being but also strengthens the sense of community as members track and share their achievements.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Robin expresses her gratitude for being part of the LGBT Outdoors family and the positive impact the organization has had on her life:

“[62:30] Robin Thackett: ‘I don’t know where I would be in the community if I didn’t know about this group. It has helped me a lot through some dark times and it helps others too.’”

Justin and Patrick reciprocate the appreciation, acknowledging Robin’s dedication and the significant role she plays in expanding and nurturing the LGBT Outdoors community in Texas.

Key Takeaways

• Community Growth: LGBT Outdoors has seen exponential growth in Texas, with Robin playing a pivotal role in this expansion.
• Ambassador Role: Being an ambassador involves leadership, creating safe spaces, and inspiring repeat participation.
• Personal Stories: Robin’s outdoor adventures and challenges highlight the resilience and passion driving the community.
• 100 Mile Club: A new initiative encouraging members to track and achieve outdoor activity milestones, fostering both personal and communal growth.
• Inclusivity and Representation: Emphasizing the importance of making outdoor spaces welcoming for all LGBTQ+ individuals, regardless of how they choose to express their identity.

Notable Quotes

• Robin Thackett on Community Growth:
  “[00:00] ‘They didn’t have that many chapters as we do now, but we’ve grown exponentially since I joined.’”

• On the Ambassador's Impact:
  “[33:02] ‘When someone comes back a second or third time, it makes me feel real special that they are giving up their day...’”

• Introducing the 100 Mile Club:
  “[50:06] ‘The 100 Mile Club is a new club within LGBT Outdoors. When you sign up, you get a free T-shirt, and for every 100 miles you complete, you receive a coin.’”

• Robin’s Gratitude:
  “[62:30] ‘It has helped me a lot through some dark times and it helps others too.’”

This episode of the LGBT+ Outdoors Podcast offers inspiring insights into building an inclusive outdoor community, the meaningful role of ambassadors like Robin Thackett, and exciting new opportunities for members to engage and grow together through initiatives like the 100 Mile Club.