LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast

Episode: S2: Ep 12: Bailey Buckles | A Journey to Self Discovery
Release Date: December 16, 2024
Host: Justin Yoder
Co-Host: Patrick

Introduction to Bailey Buckles

In this heartfelt episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder and Patrick welcome Bailey Buckles from Colorado as their guest. Bailey, a vibrant trans woman and outdoor enthusiast, shares her profound journey of self-discovery, the therapeutic role of nature in her life, and the challenges she has faced within both the LGBTQ and outdoor communities.

Bailey's Personal Journey

Bailey opens up about her early realizations of her gender identity. At [00:00], she poignantly states:

"I know it in my heart. I won't be alive another year if I don't. If I don't accept myself. So I just. I put a name to it. I looked in the mirror, and I was just like, I am trans. I am a woman. I am not this."

Bailey recounts her struggles growing up in Colorado Springs, a place surrounded by natural beauty yet devoid of adequate resources and community support for trans individuals. She reflects on the limited understanding of transgender identities during her formative years:

"...historically I've always had male friends, I always knew that I wasn't one of the guys I would try to be... But like, in high school, there is this period, this short window where like, I almost came out."

At [08:19], Bailey elaborates on the complexities of her identity during high school, describing the internal conflict and societal pressures that led her to suppress her true self for years.

The Therapeutic Role of the Outdoors

Bailey discusses how nature became a sanctuary for her during her transition. She highlights the profound impact of outdoor activities on her mental and emotional well-being:

"I found myself alone and happy. When I was outdoors, like, I lost that sense of, like, in person, community. But I would just... find a way to recover from addiction also in nature."

She emphasizes the healing power of the outdoors, detailing how activities like hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing helped her reconnect with her authentic self and overcome personal challenges. Bailey describes her first experience climbing a "14er" in Colorado, which ignited her love for intense outdoor adventures.

Challenges Faced in the Outdoors

Despite the sanctuary nature provided, Bailey does not shy away from discussing the discrimination she has encountered:

"I've had experiences of actually being sexually assaulted on the trail... And feeling like a brown woman in the outdoors."

She shares troubling encounters with cisgender, heterosexual white men who often mansplain or make unwelcome comments, adding layers of difficulty to her outdoor experiences. Bailey poignantly addresses the intersectionality of her identity:

"Trans women, especially black trans women, have been leading the movement for LGBTQ rights for so long. But historically, we've been left behind."

Advocating for Trans Rights and Inclusion

Bailey is passionate about advocacy within the LGBTQ and outdoor communities. She talks about her efforts to promote trans joy and inclusion through her outdoor adventures:

"I've been taking my trans flag with me and I've just been waving that from the summits, posting content with it, just encouraging the trans community."

Bailey urges allies to engage genuinely and educate themselves about transgender experiences, emphasizing the importance of seeing the shared humanity:

"Just being vulnerable about it... you could hop onto Instagram, you could go to TikTok and look up trans... you'll find your answers."

Creating Inclusive Outdoor Spaces

The conversation shifts to the mission of LGBT Outdoors in fostering diversity and inclusion. Justin highlights the organization's commitment:

"We are one big family, and everyone is welcome here and wanted here."

Bailey underscores the necessity of safe spaces and accessible outdoor activities for LGBTQ individuals, particularly those of color. She endorses local groups like Colorado Black Packers, Outdoor Latino, and Outdoor Asian as pivotal in creating inclusive environments.

Future Plans and Projects

Looking ahead, Bailey shares her exciting plans to blend her passions for martial arts and outdoor safety:

"I'm gonna shift some of the stuff that I'm doing into building LGBTQ safe spaces for personal defense... offering different drills, practices..."

She aims to empower the community with self-defense skills, ensuring safety and confidence in outdoor settings.

Rapid Fire: Getting to Know Bailey

To add a personal touch, Bailey engages in rapid-fire questions, revealing fun and quirky aspects of her personality:

• Favorite Trail Snack:

  "Cold fried chicken. You have to have like a good, like, cold, like, battered, crunchy chicken."

• Essential Gear:

  "My headlamp."

• Sunrise or Sunset Paddle:

  "Sunrise. All the way."

• Any Animal for a Day:

  "I want to be all the animals. I would be a falcon for sure."

• Future Adventures:

  "I'm gonna start a YouTube channel... blending martial arts and self-defense with outdoor adventures."

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Bailey leaves listeners with a powerful message of embracing the outdoors as a pathway to self-discovery and community building:

"There's just a vast world of beauty and connection that you can have in creating a life outdoors... It's your journey to decide, and it's your journey to live."

Justin and Patrick commend Bailey for her resilience and advocacy, encouraging listeners to follow her adventures and support her initiatives.

Connect with Bailey Buckles

• Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky: @Bailey_Buckles
• Marriage and Personal Life: Eloped with her wife in Zion National Park during the pandemic in 2021.

This episode not only highlights Bailey's inspiring journey but also reinforces the mission of LGBTQ Outdoors in creating a more inclusive and diverse outdoor community. Bailey's story is a testament to the healing power of nature and the importance of embracing one's true self.

Resources Mentioned:

• Colorado Black Packers
• Outdoor Latino
• Outdoor Asian

Join the Trailblazer Society: Support LGBTQ Outdoors by becoming a member through LGBTOutdoors.com.

For more insights and stories, subscribe to the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast on your favorite platform and follow Bailey Buckles on social media.