LGBT+ Outdoors Podcast Summary: Rooted in Community: Exploring Oregon’s Outdoors with Lauren

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host(s): Justin Yoder and Patrick
Guest: Lauren Payne, Ambassador from Oregon

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the LGBT+ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder and Patrick delve into the vibrant outdoor scene of Oregon with their special guest, Lauren Payne. As an ambassador for LGBT Outdoors, Lauren shares her personal journey, experiences in Oregon’s diverse landscapes, and insights into fostering an inclusive outdoor community for the LGBTQ+ population.

Lauren’s Background and Journey

Lauren begins by reminiscing about her upbringing in Michigan, highlighting the lack of exposure to diverse queer and trans individuals in her small, predominantly white town. This limited visibility intensified when she moved to the more liberal and diverse city of Portland, Oregon, which played a pivotal role in her self-discovery and acceptance.

Lauren (00:00): "There are queer people and trans people of all sorts of varieties and backgrounds that I had never been exposed to growing up in what was a small, largely white town…"

Lauren recounts her bold decision to relocate during the early days of the pandemic, seeking greater opportunities in the environmental field and a community that embraces her identity.

Lauren (12:27): "I grew up in Michigan from like 5 years old until I graduated college… I decided to get out here quick and get my start on the coast."

Her transition to Oregon not only provided her with professional opportunities but also allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals, further solidifying her passion for the outdoors and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBT Outdoors Initiatives and Activities

Hosts Justin and Patrick discuss various initiatives by LGBT Outdoors aimed at fostering community and promoting outdoor activities among LGBTQ+ individuals. Key programs highlighted include:

• 100 Mile Club: A program encouraging members to accumulate 100 miles of outdoor activity, tracked via Strava, with participants earning challenge coins for their achievements.
• LGBT Outdoor Fest: An annual event in New York’s Catskills, offering early bird pricing until February 28th, featuring diverse outdoor activities and community-building events.
• Adventure Trips: Organized excursions to destinations like the Grand Canyon, Broken Bow, Oklahoma for fly fishing, and upcoming trips to Glacier National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Justin Yoder (04:49): "If you're listening and you didn't listen to that episode, the 100 Mile Club is a new program…"

These initiatives are designed to make outdoor adventures accessible and enjoyable, regardless of whether participants are engaging in group hikes or solo explorations.

Lauren’s Role as Ambassador and Experiences

Lauren shares her experiences leading events and fostering connections within the Oregon chapter of LGBT Outdoors. She highlights the success of her first snowshoe event at Trillium Lake, where participants enjoyed picnics, built snowmen, and embraced the winter landscape.

Lauren (45:00): "We had a beautiful four and a half mile jaunt around the lake… it ended up being frozen enough that people were out there playing and having picnics and making snowmen."

Lauren emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can connect, decompress, and find support through shared outdoor experiences.

Lauren (49:15): "Doing that is a form of resistance… Form of fighting for your community, the people you love."

Challenges for LGBTQ+ in the Outdoors

The conversation shifts to the barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in outdoor settings, particularly in regions outside progressive urban centers like Portland. Lauren discusses both emotional and physical challenges:

• Emotional Barriers: Concerns about safety and encountering non-accepting individuals in rural or less progressive areas.

• Socioeconomic Factors: Limited financial resources can restrict access to necessary gear, transportation, and time off work for outdoor activities.

Lauren (52:14): "We're more likely to be hit by socioeconomic factors that don't make it simple for us to get to these outdoor spaces."

Lauren urges the community to leverage their privileges to support others, advocating for collective efforts to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible.

Advice for Newcomers

Lauren offers valuable advice for LGBTQ+ individuals hesitant to engage in outdoor activities:

1. Knowledge is Power: Being well-informed about safety measures, trail information, and necessary gear can enhance comfort and security.

   Lauren (58:00): "Knowledge is safety, comfort… you can lean on resources and other people to make that space feel approachable."

2. Community and Companionship: Joining group activities with friends or community members can provide support and make the experience more enjoyable.

3. Start Small: Begin with simple activities like a morning hike to watch the sunrise, gradually building confidence and familiarity with outdoor environments.

Lauren (58:46): "Being in the outdoors looks different for everyone. So you don't need to be climbing the side of a mountain…"

Rapid Fire Questions

To add a light-hearted element, hosts Justin and Patrick engage Lauren in a rapid-fire segment, revealing her personal preferences and future plans:

• Sunrise or Sunset?
  Lauren: "Sunset. You can't get me up that early."

• Favorite Snack While Hiking?
  Lauren: "Trail mix. And the raisins are my favorite part."

• Mountains, Forest, or Coast?
  Lauren: "Forest."

• Go-To Outdoor Gear?
  Lauren: "A pair of boots."

• Favorite Season?
  Lauren: "Nothing like the wildflowers coming out."

• Bucket List Activity?
  Lauren: "Snowboarding. I would love to try, but I am so terrified of breaking my body."

Lauren also announces her upcoming wildflower hike in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, inviting listeners to join and connect via social media platforms.

Lauren (61:26): "I'm aiming to do a wildflower hike in the eastern Columbia River, towards the end of March…"

Conclusion

The episode concludes with hosts Justin and Patrick expressing their gratitude to Lauren for her insights and enthusiasm. They encourage listeners to engage with local chapters, participate in events, and support LGBT Outdoors’ mission to create inclusive outdoor spaces.

Justin Yoder (64:01): "If you're enjoying the episode, don't forget to rate, review and follow us. Your support makes a difference."

Listeners are directed to connect with Lauren through the LGBT Outdoors Oregon Facebook page and her personal Instagram handle.

Notable Quotes

• Lauren (00:00): "Like, there are queer people and trans people of all sorts of varieties and backgrounds that I had never been exposed to growing up in what was a small, largely white town."

• Lauren (58:00): "Knowledge is safety, comfort… it's okay to lean on resources and other people…"

• Lauren (49:15): "Doing that is a form of resistance… Form of fighting for your community, the people you love."

Key Takeaways

• Inclusive Community Building: LGBT Outdoors is actively creating safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals through various programs and ambassador-led events.

• Personal Journeys Matter: Lauren’s story underscores the importance of finding supportive communities and embracing one’s identity through outdoor activities.

• Overcoming Barriers: Addressing both emotional and socioeconomic challenges is crucial for making the outdoors accessible to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Encouragement and Support: Knowledge, companionship, and gradual exposure to outdoor activities can empower hesitant individuals to explore and enjoy nature.

For more information about upcoming events, local chapters, and how to get involved, visit LGBTOutdoors.com or connect with the community on their Facebook and Instagram.