S2 : Ep 7: LGBT+ Outdoorfest 2024

Summary

LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast: Season 2, Episode 7 – LGBT+ Outdoorfest 2024

Introduction

In Season 2, Episode 7 of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, the host Justin Yoder engages with key members of the LGBT Outdoors community to discuss the upcoming LGBT Outdoor Fest 2024. Released on September 23, 2024, this episode delves into the festival’s mission, evolution, and the profound impact it has on the LGBTQIA+ community by fostering connections and promoting diversity in outdoor spaces.

Event Overview and Evolution

Justin Yoder introduces the episode from the picturesque Rocky Mountains, highlighting the significance of the live audience present for this recording. He welcomes his guests: Josh, the event coordinator, Kaylee Olson, an instructor and photographer, and DJ Johanneson, a first-time attendee.

Josh explains that LGBT Outdoor Fest functions as a “queer summer camp for adults,” offering a variety of workshops and activities aimed at building community:

“My favorite thing about it is that you show up knowing no one and you leave as a family.”
— Josh (00:22)

The festival has grown significantly over its five iterations, now extending to four days to accommodate more activities and an expanded team. This year introduces the ropes course, which has been met with excitement from attendees.

Workshops and Activities

The festival features an array of workshops, including wilderness survival, first aid, campfire cooking, car camping, yoga for hikers, mindfulness, eco-psychology, fishing, and archery. Kaylee Olson, participating in her third Outdoor Fest as an instructor, shares her experience leading the car camping workshop:

“People were engaged and look like they're having fun. That's awesome fun, you know, connecting with everybody.”
— Kaylee Olson (06:47)

Patrick (DJ Johanneson) recounts his first experience with the festival, emphasizing the immediate sense of community and the diverse spectrum of participants:

“We all connect over the outdoors, but then we find all the other ways we connect to.”
— Patrick (12:24)

Personal Stories and Community Building

The episode is rich with personal narratives that underscore the festival’s impact. Kaylee shares a heartfelt story about meeting her fiancée at Outdoor Fest, highlighting how the festival fosters meaningful relationships:

“I met my fiancée there, and we’ve never been separate since we met.”
— Kaylee Olson (08:13)

Josh and Patrick discuss the transformative experience of stepping out of comfort zones and the supportive environment that encourages personal growth and deeper connections:

“If we can make a safe place this weekend for one or two people to be able to go have a connection for the rest of their life, you know, we've done something good.”
— Josh (19:16)

Patrick adds, emphasizing the organization’s role in providing a safe space for those from rural or less accepting areas to connect with the LGBTQ community:

“It's really the only way they connect to the LGBT community, because it may be that they don't fit into the traditional... [bar] scene.”
— Patrick (16:43)

Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

A significant portion of the discussion centers on breaking down stereotypes that queer individuals are not interested in the outdoors. The hosts and guests address misconceptions and advocate for greater diversity within the outdoor community:

“We are not into that on our Instagram or our Facebook early on... we're not throwing thirst traps up online, then we're not going to allow others to feel welcome to come in.”
— Josh (22:25)

Kaylee emphasizes the importance of representation:

“Putting people that fall under diverse categories into ambassador positions... I can feel safe around them.”
— Kaylee Olson (43:53)

Justin reiterates the commitment to diversity, aiming to create an inclusive environment that welcomes all under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella:

“We want this to be a beautiful sea of people that love one another and kindness, shine and become this incredible family.”
— Justin Yoder (44:11)

Ambassadors and Community Outreach

The conversation highlights the role of ambassadors in expanding LGBT Outdoors’ reach. An ambassador is described as someone who organizes local events, such as hikes, rock climbing, kayaking, and social gatherings, to connect community members:

“An ambassador is just somebody that kind of takes care of the space they live in. To invite people to come to, like, a hike or sometimes they go rock climbing.”
— Kaylee Olson (31:34)

Patrick explains the criteria for becoming an ambassador, emphasizing passion, self-motivation, and a commitment to organizing events:

“One of the biggest things that we look for in an ambassador is somebody that has the passion for our mission... we ask for a year commitment.”
— Justin Yoder (41:08)

Future Plans and Sustainability

Looking ahead, Josh outlines his vision for the future of Outdoor Fest, aiming to increase attendance, secure more sponsorships, and enhance accessibility:

“I see Outdoor Fest getting bigger, bigger and better... making it more accessible to others.”
— Josh (33:06)

Kaylee suggests involving participants in shaping future workshops through polling, ensuring that the offerings remain relevant and engaging:

“Putting people that fall under diverse categories into ambassador positions... seeing a poll on what classes they want to come back.”
— Kaylee Olson (35:32)

Sponsors and Support

The episode briefly acknowledges the festival’s sponsors, crucial for the event’s success. Josh lists current sponsors and invites potential future sponsors to reach out:

“Some of our sponsors this year, we have Aria Cooperative Action Fund, Colorado Parks and Wildlife... Sierra Designs.”
— Josh (45:55)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt testimonials from the guests, reinforcing the festival’s role as a chosen family and a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community. They encourage listeners to connect, participate, and support LGBT Outdoors:

“You have a home here. And just give it a chance.”
— Josh (37:15)

“You can be your true authentic self with these people you meet.”
— Kaylee Olson (37:35)

Justin wraps up by inviting listeners to engage through social media and the organization's website, lgbtoutdoors.com, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to expand and diversify the community.

Key Takeaways

• LGBT Outdoor Fest serves as a transformative experience, fostering deep connections and a sense of family among participants.
• The festival has grown in scope and duration, introducing new activities like the ropes course to enhance participant engagement.
• Personal stories illustrate the profound impact of the festival in creating lasting relationships and providing a safe space for self-expression.
• Efforts to diversify the community focus on inclusive representation and breaking down stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ individuals and the outdoors.
• Ambassadors play a pivotal role in expanding LGBT Outdoors’ reach, organizing local events, and nurturing community connections.
• Future plans aim to increase accessibility, secure more sponsorships, and leverage participant feedback to shape future offerings.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh (00:22): “My favorite thing about it is that you show up knowing no one and you leave as a family.”
• Kaylee Olson (06:47): “People were engaged and look like they're having fun. That's awesome fun, you know, connecting with everybody.”
• Patrick (12:24): “We all connect over the outdoors, but then we find all the other ways we connect to.”
• Josh (19:16): “If we can make a safe place this weekend for one or two people to be able to go have a connection for the rest of their life, you know, we've done something good.”
• Kaylee Olson (08:13): “I met my fiancée there, and we’ve never been separate since we met.”
• Josh (22:25): “We're not throwing thirst traps up online, then we're not going to allow others to feel welcome to come in.”
• Kaylee Olson (43:53): “Putting people that fall under diverse categories into ambassador positions... I can feel safe around them.”
• Justin Yoder (44:11): “We want this to be a beautiful sea of people that love one another and kindness, shine and become this incredible family.”
• Josh (33:06): “I see Outdoor Fest getting bigger, bigger and better... making it more accessible to others.”
• Josh (37:15): “You have a home here. And just give it a chance.”
• Kaylee Olson (37:35): “You can be your true authentic self with these people you meet.”

This episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast provides an insightful and comprehensive look into the LGBT Outdoor Fest 2024, illustrating its crucial role in connecting the LGBTQIA+ community through shared outdoor experiences. The discussions emphasize the importance of community, diversity, and personal growth, making it an inspiring listen for both participants and those interested in supporting the movement.

Transcript

[Josh]

You know, if we can make a safe place this weekend for one or two people to be able to go have a connection for the rest of their life, you know, we've done something good.

[Kaylee Olson]

And that feeling, like, so hard to, like, put into words, too, because when you see it, you feel the energy, like, coming from the people that are connecting. And so, like, when you try to, like, verbalize it to someone, they really can't understand unless you're, like, in it with all these people experiencing it.

[Josh]

For sure.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. It's the family aspect of it.

[Josh]

Yep.

[Justin Yoder]

I love that.

[DJ Johanneson]

What do you do when you come out as LGBTQ and love the outdoors? What do you do when you see the outdoor space ruled by older white CIS men and desire a diverse community of outdoor lovers? Accept it, change it, create it. I am Justin Yoder, and this is LGBT Outdoors.

[Justin Yoder]

What's up, everyone? It's Justin again, coming to you from a special location. This time, I am looking straight in front of me at the Rocky Mountains, and it is gorgeous. I wish every time that we were doing this podcast, this was my view because it is pretty spectacular. And we are in Colorado for a special event that we have going on, and we want to chat about that. We are doing LGBT Outdoor Fest 2024, and I have three guests with me. I have Josh, who is our event coordinator for LGBT Outdoor Fest. And one thing that I do want to say before you jump in, Josh, is that one of the things that makes this recording so special is we actually have our first live audience right here with us.

[Josh]

Yeah.

[Justin Yoder]

We are so glad that you are here. So, Josh, what is LGBT Outdoor Fest?

[Josh]

Outdoor Fest. So LGBT Outdoor Fest is what we like to call a queer summer camp for adults. So we gather around a campfire in different locations around the country. So we've done Texas, we've done Colorado. We're looking for a new state for this next year, and we have bring in instructors to do workshops throughout the weekend. So this weekend, we have wilderness survival, wilderness first aid, campfire, cooking, car camping, yoga for hikers, mindfulness, and eco psychology. We have fishing, we have archery. All kinds of fun stuff is happening throughout the weekend. So just a great weekend to gather around, build community. My favorite thing about it is that you show up knowing no one and you leave as a family.

[Justin Yoder]

I love that. And I would echo that. This is our fifth time doing LGBT Outdoor Fest, and it gets better and better each time we do it. What are the key things this time that is different from past ones that you think are so, so great and Making this one stand out, I think.

[Josh]

Big things is, like, we have a bigger team. I think, you know, we have more stuff going on. We have one extra day, so we've got four days. We came in on Thursday. Normally we come. We come in on. Um, so we. The biggest takeaway from the last couple years is that everyone wanted an extra day. Um, we added activities, so we have workshops, but then we also have activities which are, you know, like, just an added bonus. This year we have ropes course, which I think was a huge thing. Sounds like from everything we're hearing, is kind of a really exciting factor. So, yeah, I think there's a lot. A lot more added to it. We've. That we're throwing in special guests. Well, sounds like it. But we're not there yet.

[Justin Yoder]

We're not there yet. All right, so I want to hear more from our two guests that are with us. I'm going to start with Kayleigh, and then we're going to kick it over to dj. Who are you?

[Kaylee Olson]

Well, hello, first of all.

[Justin Yoder]

Hello.

[Kaylee Olson]

I am Kaylee Olson, and I've been around LGBT outdoors for quite a few years now. This is my third OutdoorFest as an instructor this year. I'm doing car camping workshop, though, so new and exciting. And I'm also doing some photography at the event.

[Justin Yoder]

Yes, and we're very thankful for that. Thanks for doing that. How many steps? Do you know how many steps are Media team, social media?

[Kaylee Olson]

We had, like, 10,000 by 9am so.

[Justin Yoder]

Definitely getting those steps then. DJ.

[Patrick]

Yes?

[Justin Yoder]

Who are you?

[Patrick]

I'm DJ Johanneson. This is my first time at LGBT Outdoor Fest. Yeah, I met Justin and Patrick at a meeting in Dallas six months ago, and they were telling me about LGBT outdoors, and I was like, I got to be part of that. And I went to my first camp out when we had the eclipse, and I was just astonished by the diversity of people there, the feeling of being a member of a family and everybody was accepted and how you all were able to do things so efficiently and effectively. When you told me the cost for food was $20 for four days, I was a little skeptical. But anyway, it was great food, and we didn't need all the stuff I snuck in my car.

[Justin Yoder]

No, that was a great event. We loved that. So, Josh, we are in day two right now. What did today look like?

[Josh]

All right, so today we started off with workshops in the morning. So we had two separate breakout sections with workshops, and then we went to lunch, and then we broke off into activities. And so now we're doing this Live podcast during a nice long break, which is awesome. And then we're going to break into dinner, and then we'll have a family session. And family sessions is a really cool time where we come together. Last night we had it with you, Justin, our founder. And then tonight we'll have Dan Link from Naked and Afraid that will kind of have like a little Q A session tonight with him and hear about his experience through going through the TV series. And then we'll kind of see a repeat of that through the weekend. We're going to kind of flip flop it tomorrow. We'll have activities in the morning, ropes court workshops in the afternoon, and then we'll have. We're going to do Pride Night tomorrow. I think that's going to be a lot of fun. We have some special things in store for everyone tomorrow evening. And then we have Brad Ryan, who did Grandma Joy's road trips, kind of went viral with his grandma, traveling around the country, checking out the national parks. And he'll be speaking tomorrow night at our family session.

[Justin Yoder]

Sweet. Awesome. So workshops were happening today. So that means, Kaylee, you taught your workshop today.

[Kaylee Olson]

Yes, I did.

[Justin Yoder]

So how did that go?

[Kaylee Olson]

It was so fun. It was. I had about 20 people in my workshop, and we just talked about camping in your car, camping next to your car, camping even on top of your car, and just kind of the logistics that go behind planning something like that. And then we just kind of talked gear and showed gear, and they worked together to set up tents and inflate the big giant, like, duo mat, which takes 500 years. But, yeah, it was great. People were engaged and look like they're having fun. That's awesome fun, you know, connecting with everybody.

[Justin Yoder]

Absolutely. Last one you were at was Texas or Colorado?

[Kaylee Olson]

Colorado at the ymca.

[Justin Yoder]

And then you did Texas before that.

[Kaylee Olson]

Yeah.

[Justin Yoder]

All right, so you've seen this evolve a little bit. What have been some of your takeaways as you've seen this kind of grow over the years and things changes in different locations and whatnot.

[Kaylee Olson]

Yeah. So I feel like everyone I've been to, it just gets, like, more detailed and detailed and bigger and better. So that first one in Texas that I went to, I think it was the second outdoor fest. And it was great, but, you know, it was just like workshops. It was three days, and, you know, we met a lot of really great people. And then the one at the YMCA was even better because the views were great. And we just had more that kept getting added. And then this year is just, you know, phenomenal because we get four days and. And things are spread out more time to meet people and hang out, and it's just really great.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. You said that you met a lot of great people at the Texas One. Was there anybody that might have been really special to meet them?

[Kaylee Olson]

You know, just a little special. I did meet my fiance there.

[Justin Yoder]

Nice.

[Kaylee Olson]

Yeah. And I met her because she was doing the campfire cooking workshop, and we just headed off, and we've never been separate since we met up.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. Your journeys have been incredible because you guys packed up at one point and just started hitting national parks.

[Kaylee Olson]

Yeah. So our first road trip that we went on, she was already out, and I was at a family reunion, and she's like, hey, do you want to meet me up on the East Coast? And I said, okay. So I got in my car, built out a sleeping bed because, you know, you never know if it's gonna, like, be weird or if it's gonna work out. And so I met her up. I met her up in Asheville, and we really hit it off. And I haven't been a part since.

[Justin Yoder]

You've just skipped the U Haul and just went.

[Josh]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Justin Yoder]

Awesome. Awesome. That's so cool. Love that, Love that. And you've just really become a part of the LGBT outdoors family, and it's just been cool to see you join us in this journey and people learn from you, and it's been awesome. So. Yeah, absolutely. And, dj, this is your first one, and we are. Are we halfway through yet? Not quite. Not quite halfway through yet. So there's a lot to come yet. That is going to be surprises and twists and turns and all the things. But give us the overview. So yesterday was registration. Everybody got in around 3:30 or so, and now it's about a little over 24 hours later.

[Patrick]

It's hard to believe. It's just been 24 hours, really. I was thinking about that, you know, when you first come in and there's a bus ride from the airport. We all met at the airport and started connecting there, got on the bus ride and was coming up. It's a little harrowing going up. There's nothing but a cliff on one side, and so we were all stacked up on the other side, but it started immediately. And that's the thing that's great about LGBT outdoors is you automatically connect to people because you have something in common, you have something to talk about and what are you doing and how long you've done. And registration was awesome. I mean, it took no time at all.

[Justin Yoder]

I was even impressed with how Bad the team got.

[Patrick]

It was like, okay, here, here, here, you're done. Boom. You know, and we were. We signed all of our waivers on the way up, so that was done. Didn't have to do it. And. And then people were assigned to their cabins, and it's just the environment here, the visual here. We're in the Rocky Mountains. The colors are changing, it's gorgeous weather, and we're just like, oh, my gosh, this is just beautiful. And they're like, okay. And by the way, you know, we're gonna do this. And we got Dan Link, and we got this. And the ropes course today was phenomenal from somebody who's, you know, not a twink anymore past the twink stage. I was like, oh, crap. I can't, like, get up there and not be able to do it when all those other people are doing it. So, you know, the pride kicks in a little bit, you know, and you just force yourself up there and go.

[Justin Yoder]

Well, now, wait a minute. Like, so we're sitting here, and we understand what you're saying by getting up and whatnot, but, like, paint the picture for people that are listening that aren't here. What. What did you do exactly on these ropes course?

[Patrick]

Are you trying to say I'm old?

[Justin Yoder]

No, I'm just like, paint the picture.

[Patrick]

Of exactly how old you are. No, it was. So the ropes course, you went up the rock wall, and it's about 700ft or 70ft or 70, depends on which end of the rope you're on. And so you go up there and you do that, and you turn the corner, and then there's a platform on the backside, and there is a giant swing. So you literally jump off a platform 70 foot, and you go through and you swing. And it was just awesome. It was just awesome. And, you know, the first time I went, I was trying to get a video, and I didn't get the video, but so I was like, let me go a second time. I'm like, crap, am I gonna be.

[Justin Yoder]

Able to make it?

[Patrick]

And I was, like, thinking, maybe I'll give the camera to somebody. I'm like, you know, the only way not to make it is not to try.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

And so it was like, yeah, I'm doing it. I may fail, but I'm doing it. You know, nobody's gonna die. And so we do that. And it's just in the people have been just awesome, meeting all sorts of people from all different places. But also, it's the spectrum of the LGBTQ community. You know, we have the spectrum here, and it's great hearing people's stories and where are you and why are you here? And we all connect over the outdoors, but then we find all the other ways we connect to. So it's been great.

[Justin Yoder]

That's amazing. I love that. Last night during our family session, we were kind of talking about bringing out the inner kid in us for the next four days, which I think is kind of a fun concept because we lose that a lot of times as adults. Right. And I think, like, this is a great time to kind of have that summer camp vibe and get back into that and talking about thinking, thinking inside the box, because as kids, we loved playing in boxes, and those boxes could be anything. Are any of you seeing anything this weekend that makes you feel like, yeah, I'm seeing this. Like people, maybe you or you're seeing others that are like, they're pushing themselves a new way or their imagination is really going and cool things are happening.

[Patrick]

I think the thing for me was is everybody's pushing themselves a little bit, and it's a little uncomfortable saying, okay, I'm going to go up this thing, and everybody's going to be watching me and am I going to be successful? And what's going. But everybody's there cheering you on and doing it. And so people are getting beyond their comfort zone, and sometimes they're mad at us about it. They accuse us of threatening them or something, you know, but really it's about people being willing to risk and being a safe place so they know it's okay to risk. And it's just.

[Josh]

It's awesome when I've had some come up to me and say, you told me at summer camp, I didn't realize it's summer camp, you know, And I think that's. That's my biggest thing about Outdoor Fest. That's why I do this as a kid. Summer camp was my favorite thing as a kid, you know, and. And going to summer camp with my cousins and with my siblings and being able to do that. That's why I do this, because I think that's like the inner child in us, being able to reconnect with that and find those moments that where we were happy and be able to bring that happiness back out. I think that's like, such a cool moment that we have here and being.

[Patrick]

Able to do it with our chosen family.

[Josh]

Yeah. 100.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Kaylee Olson]

I think, too, just watching people even step out of their comfort zones when it comes to talking to other people, like, even introverts or, you know, going up to People and having conversations and making connections. So I think that's just another way people are being brave and taking leaps of faith.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. It's one of the things that I love about this because. And we say this all the time, but, like, when people come in, a lot of times, some people might come in with friends and know people or they are. Have gone to LGBT Outdoor Fest before. But then we have a lot of people that don't know a single person here. And that takes bravery in itself, because I don't know how many times I've heard stories about people like, pull up to the campground and be like, do I go through with this or not? And then they. They do, and they are so glad that they did.

[Patrick]

And it's.

[Justin Yoder]

It's. It can be a challenge and very difficult for people, but I feel like once they start making those connections, one of the things. And I. I say this again a lot, but by. By day four, when Sunday rolls around, we're starting to feel like a big family and we have these connections, and we're, like, starting to realize, like, I want to go hiking with these people, and I want to do a camping event with these people.

[Josh]

Right.

[Justin Yoder]

All these connections start happening.

[Josh]

I mean, it's like. I mean, just to go off of that. I mean, we say it and we say it, and when they ask, why do you do it? The day one, the deer in the headlights, like, who are you? And why am I here? And then Sunday, the tears, like, that's why we do this.

[Justin Yoder]

Absolutely. And the way that so many people find out about us, too. Like, one person that was here, she walked up to me and was talking to me, and the way that she found out about LGBT Outdoor Fest and us as an organization was she was at a Pride event, and somebody, not even us, but somebody that knew her, picked up one of our stickers off of the table and walked up to her booth and said, I think that this would be good for you, and a good experience. Because she knew what she's been going through the past few months and whatnot and gave it to her, and she ended up signing up and coming.

[Patrick]

And there's people here who, as you talk, they're from. They came by themselves, and they're from very rural places or places that aren't very accepting of our community. And in LGBT outdoors, whether it be coming to Outdoor Fest or watching the podcast or being part of their local chapter or following on Facebook, it's really the only way they connect to the LGBT community, because it may be that they don't fit into the traditional. Like, go to the bar and be out all night, do this or whatever.

[Justin Yoder]

It is, and getting too old for that.

[Josh]

Well, I mean, and on that know. And they want outside of the bar scene and. But within the outdoor community, they may only connect on an evening walk through the local park, and that's how they connect to the outdoor community. And there's some of us that hike 14ers and go backpacking in the backcountry, and, you know, it's. It's a very different experience. But as a community, we all fit in in this group together from, you know, on one side to the end to the other side. You know, like, there's so many different levels to that, which is cool. You know, how we. We. We're all in this together.

[Patrick]

And I think that the one good thing about the LGBT outdoors organization, first of all, it's incredible to look what you guys have done, the chapters, the ambassadors, how small you started out and what you've been able to accomplish is amazing. And it just. It touches people.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah, you go ahead and make me.

[Patrick]

Hold it back this whole time, but it just. It just. I mean, I work. I'm the director of LGBT organization, and I know the struggles that our youth have and people who are just coming out have and. And just. Just how they're desperate to find a connection. And then when I went to the Eclipse and I saw two or three people have that connection, and here, seeing those people have that connection where they can finally have their family, it's just. It's. It's.

[Josh]

You know, if we can make a safe place this weekend for one or two people to be able to go have a connection for the rest of their life, you know, we've done something good.

[Kaylee Olson]

And that feeling, like, so hard to, like, put into words, too, because when you see it, you feel the energy, like, coming from the people that are connecting. And so, like, when you try to, like, verbalize it to someone, they really. You can't understand unless you're, like, in it with all these people experiencing it.

[Josh]

For sure.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. It's the family aspect. I love that. Why is. I'm curious from the three of you, like, why is the outdoors even important to you? Like, I know for me and for a lot of people, but I feel like there's different reasons.

[Kaylee Olson]

I think I'll go. I think for me, it's just the one place where my mind is quiet, especially because I like to do a little bit more challenging hikes and things outside. And so I think Just being completely present, like, watching my steps. Where's my hand going? Where's my foot placement? And so for me, it's almost meditative because I have to be completely present. I can't be worrying about what's happening tomorrow, or I can't be thinking, like, oh, like I said something weird at my job yesterday and, like, anxiety thinking about it. So for me, it's just really being at peace. And.

[Josh]

Yeah, I mean, you've seen. I've been running around. I've loved it all week. I've been running like a crazy man. And I have, you know, I've loved every minute of it. But when we were fishing, when I fish, like, I am in the most Zen place in life. And, you know, when I was just sitting there, time flies and all that, I mean, that's my. That's my happy place. And I can disappear to a river and for hours and not know where I'm at, you know, and that's. That's my love.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

For me, I grew up in the Mormon Church, and one of the things we did was explorers and Scouts. And so I grew up hiking and camping and doing all those things. And. And since then, I think I've gone one time, you know, and last year, I had kind of a life change and the ability to decide for myself what I wanted to do. My partner, 22 years, I split up, and I was, like, sitting down. I said, what are the things I've always wanted to do that I couldn't do? And camping was one of them. And then I met you and Patrick, and I'm like, oh, my God. They're like, well, you should come camping with us. I'm like, okay. And I'm like, I'm not going to know anybody. I don't know anybody. I've met you guys a little bit, but we really didn't know each other. And I was like, so even me. And I'm kind of outgoing. It was a little bit of a stretch to, like, how comfortable am I going to be?

[Justin Yoder]

You are, which surprises me because you do come. You are a very outgoing person, and so I was surprised if you have a hard time at it. I can only imagine how a lot of others do it.

[Patrick]

Just, it was the risk of. Of I'm showing up with 18 other people I don't know a soul. And so how's this going to go? You know, how's this going to go? I'm allowed to take. Sometimes I know this guy would stop calling me, emailing me.

[Justin Yoder]

It's great. But.

[Patrick]

But. So it was great to go to the very first time and immediately make connections and get to know people and do that. And so it was great. So when this came up, I'm like, absolutely.

[Justin Yoder]

I'm going, yeah. No, like, I think too, like, with our community, just being blunt about it, like, you don't know what you're getting yourself into about it. Is this a hookup thing? Is this where people are cruising? Is this. What is this? Because there are. There are gay outdoor groups that. That is kind of their thing, but that's not us. Like, we're not into that on our. On our Instagram or our Facebook early on, and Instagram early on. One of the things that we just didn't allow was just the blatant thirst traps. Yeah. And not that people don't like those, but, like, that's not, as an organization, who we are.

[Patrick]

Well, it's not. It doesn't mean. It doesn't then present itself to be a safe place for everybody, because you have that in your life everywhere in the LGBT community, whether it's the bars or anywhere.

[Josh]

Well, let's be frank. Community as a whole, across the world is changing, and it grows, and it changes, frankly, daily. And if we don't change and grow with it, even in this outdoor space, then we're. We're failing our own community. And so we have to be cautious, too, even in the outdoor community, to create a safe space for those that love the outdoors to be able to feel welcome here, too. And if we're just throwing thirst traps up online, then we're not going to be, you know, allow others to feel welcome to come in.

[Patrick]

Well, it's also that people won't necessarily take you serious because this is what you are and what's going on and.

[Justin Yoder]

Or the authentic connections that we are trying to form as well. Yeah, absolutely. I'd love to talk a little bit about, like, stereotypes in the outdoor community and what your. Your guys's thoughts are on that. Because I feel like one of the big things that we try to do as an organization is break down the stereotypes that gay people, queer people, LGBTQI plus people don't like the outdoors. Thoughts?

[Patrick]

Well, I mean, it's true that there are some questions when you're. When you're talking to people about what you're doing. I've been talking to somebody for a little bit, and I said, yeah, I'm gonna go camping in Colorado. And he's like, like, in a tent. I was like, no, not in a tent this time. But I'VE gotten a tent, but it's cabins. And he was like, haven't you seen Cabin in the Woods? It'll be fine. He's like, okay. He's like, it's just not his thing. But then as he talked more, I've been sending pictures the whole time. And he's like, oh, my God, that's beautiful. I can't quit looking at that picture. I mean, it's just a beautiful picture. Looks like you're having fun doing the whole thing. You're stupid. You jumped off the platform and. But it is about opening people. Some people will get it, some people won't, but some people really want to do it. But taking that first step is difficult. And so that's where we have to be open and just like being inviting to say and create safe spaces for them to come.

[Kaylee Olson]

I think my experience has been a little bit different because I've never really had that, like, gay bar scene. I guess I don't say phase, but I was never really into, like, the bar scene just because I don't drink. But so I guess I've always surrounded myself with LGBT people who like the outdoors. And so that's kind of always been my experience of that side of it.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Josh]

I mean, for me, I thought I was the only gay fly fisher in this world. And I was like, there's got to be someone else. And that's how I found the organization is just Instagram. And I think it was just like gay flying or just like kept searching and searching. And then I think I literally put in lg, like LGBT outdoors. And then that's how I found it while getting this tattoo. And then we started messaging and just for the world to know, we became friends online and lived 20 minutes from each other and then see each other more now that we're states away.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah, yeah, we lived together, close together in Texas. And because of his schedule, work schedule and everything, it was like impossible to get together. And then he moves out to Colorado, like three, four states away. And now we see each other more.

[Josh]

Once a quarter at least.

[DJ Johanneson]

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[Justin Yoder]

We hear a lot from individuals and outdoor companies and stuff like that that are kind of surprised sometimes about what we're doing. And, like, people are coming to this, like, how it's growing and there's. You have how many Instagram followers and stuff. And it goes to show, like, there is a need for this and like, our community does love the outdoors. And so I personally just want to squash that, like, so bad that it. We're all about the bars and the shopping and all of that and be like, no, come on. And I mean, all three of you can, in our audience can see the view that I'm looking at now. And I'm like, give me one person or give me 50 people who say, the outdoors isn't for me and let me bring them out for this.

[Patrick]

And the thing, our community is just as diverse as any other, right? Sure. And there's going to be people who are like, girl, no new sleeping bag noob. And that's fine because for everybody like that, there's somebody else going, absolutely, I'd love to do it, or I thought about doing, or what about doing it? And so it's about making that opportunity available. And in meeting that need, well, you.

[Josh]

Know, what's exciting is the thousands of people we've already met and have touched, but the thousands of people more that are to come, you know, and just how far that this organization is going to go from here, I think, too.

[Kaylee Olson]

Just kind of like thinking back, like media representation just kind of over the past, like, 20 years or so, a lot of the scenes that showed LGBT people, it was like, in bars or at clubs, and it was never. We weren't represented outside in the media. So people probably, oh, they can go outside.

[Josh]

We're allowed to do that.

[Justin Yoder]

No, 100%. Because when I came out, I came out in 2010 and had no idea what I was doing. So where do I go to meet gay people of the people? I mean, only thing I could find was the gay bars. And so like, yeah, that's. That's where I went to meet people. And we are changing that. So I love that. All right, cool, cool. What are. What are some other thoughts on outdoors on LGBT Outdoor Fest? What this weekend is. Is going and headed.

[Patrick]

I don't know about, like, for the rest of this weekend, but I think one of the things I would say is if you're listening to the podcast and you've never once been involved yet besides Facebook, the podcast, or whatever, because there's tons of people who follow online and do that, but contact your ambassador and say, let me know when you have something local, because I'd like to get involved and take that step and make sure that they're asking what's going on for the next three months, six months. Find one thing there that you can connect to. It doesn't have to be camping for three days. They have social activities also. Connect and meet people. We did that in Texas. And then people all of a sudden made connections because they knew somebody.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

And. And came here, and so it's. It's been good. I would challenge everybody who's listening, who's doing that's able. Some people are doing that because they're not out, and they can't be out because it's not safe.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

So at that point, glad to be part of that in having an avenue where you can connect. But if you're able, reach out, talk to somebody, and figure out one entry point to see where is it you can be part of this organization.

[Justin Yoder]

And you mentioned for people to reach out to an ambassador in their area, whatever you want to share, like, elaborate on that. If this is somebody's first time listening. What is an LGBT outdoors ambassador?

[Kaylee Olson]

I would say an ambassador is just somebody that kind of takes care of the space they live in. To invite people to come to, like, a hike or sometimes they go rock climbing. There's been, like, kayaking, paddle boarding, all kinds of events, even social events. Sometimes they just meet up and hang out at a pool or something. So there's stuff for everybody that these people will host in all parts of the state. Sometimes I'm in Colorado, so we have. I don't know how many we have now, but five or six, I think.

[Josh]

Yeah.

[Kaylee Olson]

But they're all over the state, so, like, if you live on one part of the state, you know, maybe there's an ambassador near you, or maybe you can take a quick little drive if it's, you know, an hour away, or.

[Josh]

Even if you're going on vacation, you might, you know, look up the ambassador. That's going to be where you're traveling to. You might look up the local chapter and meet up with some new people there, too.

[Patrick]

And one of the cool things also piggybacking on that is online, there is upcoming events for all the chapters across the nation. And so if you just want to, like, go away for a weekend and find something there that you can. That you're interested in and contact them and then go out, meet people from new state.

[Josh]

Right.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

You know, and especially if it's not safe for you to be at locally.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

Be able to do that.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. And if you're interested in being ambassador, you can learn more about it.

[Patrick]

Www.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. All right. Loving that. Josh, where do you see the future of LGBT Outdoor Fest going? Possibly you're planning on being the event coordinator for the next two years?

[Josh]

I am, yeah. I. I see Outdoor Fest getting bigger, bigger and better. You know, my goal this year was over 100 people, but, you know, I think things didn't go that way. But that's okay. I would love to see that next year to break a hundred people. I would love to be able to see the event to be a much more affordable price for us to gather a lot more sponsorships and make it where it's more accessible to others. Because I know finances are harder, a lot harder for people to even just have access to this just off of that. So accessibility, availability, and having even maybe some breakouts off of this and maybe having more than one would be even a cool deal. I think we've announced it, but I think we're going to build a committee and try to get a team together to put this together and help me and then help as the future goes along to put Outdoor Fest together and run it that way. It can just be more of a smooth running machine. So I think it's. There's a bright future for Outdoor Fest and LGBT outdoors.

[Justin Yoder]

I love that more than anybody can know. And for. For several reasons. But, like, the last four, it's been primarily myself with the help of Patrick doing these, and it's a lot of work as a.

[Patrick]

Tell me about it.

[Justin Yoder]

He has absolutely killed it, though, on every single level that I could ever imagine. And, like, there were several times when I was like, oh, we need to do this and I. Or do that, and I'd reach out to him and he's like, it's already done. I'm like, okay, great. What, as an instructor, maybe, what do you maybe hope for, for instructors going in the future for LGBT Outdoor Fest? Any, any ideas that you think could be really cool that maybe we could implement or. Yeah, I don't know. Just. I'm curious as your thought, as somebody that's leading some of these workshops.

[Kaylee Olson]

Yeah. I love kind of how we have it set up this year where one day our classes are in the morning. The second day it's an afternoon. I kind of like the flip flop of that. I think going forward. Something that I'm always curious and it's just kind of like what, like the campers, the participants want to do. So I love to like just see a poll. Like, what kinds of classes do you want to come back? What kinds of classes do you want to.

[Josh]

I love that we're going to ask at the end.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah, no, that's great. As a camper, what are your. And this is your first one again. And going. You know, it's only been day one.

[Patrick]

Technically day one thing is that this has been incredible and it has been day one. I'm like, oh my God, it's been day one. So, you know, there's so much more to come and I'm excited. But I think that for an organization, what really excites me is what you all are doing the other 360 days of the year because not everybody can get here.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

But you all have chapters and ambassadors, so it spreads throughout and throughout the year and everything. And it allows people from the LGBT community to get involved. And the fact that you guys are such a small organization and you are 90% volunteer. Done. The infrastructure you've built out and your ability to touch people all across the nation, it's incredible. And so what really excites me is what you all do the other 300. This is incredible. I'm not downplaying this at all, but. But also for all the people who can't be here for everybody. But that hundred you guys are working 360 days a year and that's just incredible.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah, absolutely love that. Absolutely love that. I kind of want to just do a final thoughts thing on this. Like anything else any of the three of you want to share? Like kind of wrapping up.

[Kaylee Olson]

I feel like I always say this anytime I talk about just like the organization or outdoor fest as a whole, but really just the people that you meet are just so incredible in this organization. Everybody's so friendly and so welcoming. I've met some of my best friends from this group. I met my fiance from this group. Not that that's the point, but.

[Justin Yoder]

But it's kind of cool.

[Patrick]

Thirst trapped.

[Kaylee Olson]

Just the connections that you make with people on such a deep level because you share that love for the outdoors. You're part of the same LGBT family, so it's like you already have those two things in common, and then plus whatever else, you know, it's just. You can be your true authentic self with these people you meet, and it's just something you don't always find in other people that you meet.

[Josh]

Yeah, I'll piggyback on that. My best friends are in this group. Oh, I'm gonna get emotional. Y'all are my chosen family, and that's why I did out, but that's why I do Outdoor Fest. And, yeah, this. This organization means a lot. So for everyone that's listening, you have a home here. And just give it a chance.

[Justin Yoder]

Where's the queen?

[Patrick]

This is a happy. As we're all sitting here, tears in our eyes.

[Justin Yoder]

Right.

[Patrick]

But I think the thing is, the challenge is the. You know, at the opening family meeting, at the opening thing, we were asked to challenge ourselves to move beyond the comfort zone. And I think asking that of everybody who's listening, what's one thing you want to do that. That you'd kind of like to do, but you're a little scared? Take that first step by making contact. If you really want to be involved in the outdoor organization and with people who like the outdoors, that's the best kept secret in the world. Unless you actually reach out. Yeah. And so find somebody locally from LGBT outdoors and just reach out and say, hey, I'd like to get involved, or what do I do? Or I don't know if I can. I don't ever want to go camping, but I wouldn't mind hanging out at some social event because I really like to do it. I'm not in a place where I can go camping, but I want to hang out and meet people and do that because there's. There's a social aspect to it also.

[Josh]

And we do keep saying, like, reach out. For those that don't know where to reach out, info gbtoutdoors.com is will probably be a great way to start.

[Patrick]

And fate. What's the Facebook and Instagram? Because I'm old, I don't know.

[Josh]

For those that are on social media, Facebook is going to be LGBT outdoors, and then Instagram, LGBT outdoors as well.

[Patrick]

It's outdoors with an S. Outdoors outdoors.

[Justin Yoder]

With an S. I wasn't planning on doing this, but we do have a live audience here that I am thoroughly enjoying having, and I'm hoping you all are enjoying it too. I'm curious, do any of you have a question or two or three that you might want to ask any of us or all of us? If you do, just raise your hand. Can you step right up here so the mic can hear you a little bit?

[Patrick]

How many states are you all represented.

[Justin Yoder]

In and have ambassadors doing events? Where is Sheree, our Ambassador program director?

[Patrick]

25, I think.

[Justin Yoder]

25 states. Yeah, that sounds about right.

[Josh]

25 states.

[Justin Yoder]

We're about halfway through all the states, and we want. And we have about 55ambassadors right now, so we have multiples in different states. And our goal is by the end of 2025 to have ambassadors in all 50 states. And we have one in Canada now too, so we're starting to branch into Canada.

[Patrick]

Yeah, I think there's 28 Facebook accounts for different states.

[Justin Yoder]

Sounds about right. Yeah.

[Patrick]

And there's subgroups also.

[Justin Yoder]

Anyone with. Yeah, come on up. What do you look for? An ambassador? Oh, great question. Yeah. So one of the biggest things that we look for in an ambassador is somebody that has the passion for our mission, breaking our mission down. It's basically connecting the LGBTQ community to each other and the outdoors. So we want somebody that has a passion for that and is also self motivated. We are here to support the ambassadors, but you are also not, like, right here in an office where everybody is talking all the time. You can be on your own if you don't have another ambassador in your area. So being self motivated is important as well. In general, we ask for a year commitment. If things go well, you can go longer than that. And we have a lot of people that do. And then doing at least one event every other month in your community and help monitor the Facebook group for the state you're in. Those are the key things that we look for in an ambassador. It's very rewarding, for sure. And the cool thing, too, is once we get a new chapter going, a new location going, and then that person's passion starts growing and we start seeing people gathering and more people showing up. Then we get another ambassador in there, and you guys rotate months, and then every month there is an event going on in the community, and it's just. It can become a very powerful and awesome thing. Do we have one more question that anybody wants to ask?

[Patrick]

I have a challenge.

[Justin Yoder]

Can you come up here so we can hear it in the mic? We have a challenging question. Is this. Which one is this to all of us or to one of us? Yeah, it can be to all of you. Okay. What? Moving forward, how are you going to make this festival more diverse. Like, ladies, like, everyone under the umbrella, like, what's. What steps are you going to take?

[Josh]

I actually am happy to answer this one. Being the Outdoor Fest coordinator, you know, that is one thing that we talk all the time, that we will host events and we do Outdoor Fest, and we see a plethora of gentlemen and always would love to see more ladies and more individuals under the LGBTQIA umbrella. My goal with the committee this, in this next year is to really push that and working with the ambassadors and really promoting with all individuals. That way, it's just more heard and more spread to really work to get more of a diverse community in here.

[Kaylee Olson]

I think, too, like, if I can add on to that, I think just even, like, putting people that fall under, like, diverse categories into, like, ambassador positions. So people in the area think, oh, they're like me, they look like me, or, you know, they identify like me. I can feel safe around them.

[Josh]

Because I think that's a really great idea as well.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I. I couldn't agree more with what both of you said. And we want the diversity 100. I can't even explain to you how much in. In all aspects of whether they're falling underneath the LGBTQI plus community umbrella. Like you said, race, whatever it is, international, whatever. We just want this to be a c. A beautiful sea of people that love one another and kindness, shine and become this incredible family. So we are open to all and every idea to be able to make this more diverse and get more people out there. I think one of the things that we did this year that I really, really liked is in the cabins, we don't. So those of you that are listening, our cabins have five rooms in them. Five, six rooms.

[Josh]

So we have five cabins with six rooms.

[Justin Yoder]

Six rooms.

[Josh]

And then those that are here, that notice there, every cabin is split up or is. Is a mix of guys and girl of all individuals.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Josh]

And so it's not just guys cabins and just girls cabins. We've mixed everyone up pretty equally.

[Justin Yoder]

Right? Yeah. It doesn't matter. And so I think that that's fun. And let's everybody know, like. Yeah, this isn't. This isn't separating people. This is bringing people together of. Of every kind of background. And we have people that are younger and we have people that are older and just points to me. No, but it's. It's amazing. Josh, I'd love for you to hit on this. I feel like we have some incredible sponsors that have been. This made this year happen.

[Patrick]

Yeah.

[Justin Yoder]

And I know that we are going to need some some more in the future.

[Josh]

We are. Yeah. So some of our sponsors this year, we have Aria Cooperative Action Fund, we have Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Montucky Cold Snacks Beer Company Trout Routes is a trout fishing app, which is an incredible group as well. Super Feet, Kaylee Olsen Photography, Sierra Designs. And then correct me if I'm wrong, but Locust Studios is the. The yoga company that get our yoga mats and yoga towels.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah. Y.

[Josh]

Awesome.

[Justin Yoder]

So.

[Josh]

And thank you to all of them as well.

[Justin Yoder]

Big thank you to them. And if you are a company that is listening and you're interested in supporting in the future, or if you are interested in LGBT Outdoor Fest as a whole, how can they reach you? Josh?

[Josh]

My email is josh gbtoutdoors.com and we have already started planning for 2025 and we are ready to start knocking that out as soon as this one's over. Give me a two week vacation.

[Justin Yoder]

All right, we will try to give you a two week vacation before we we start doing that.

[Patrick]

Can I add, if you work for a company that you think that is like trying to find ways to support the LGBT community and you think that they would be supportive of this, they're at all connected outdoors, you know, hit them up and see because that's how you find out about these organizations. Willing to sponsors because somebody brought it up, you know.

[Justin Yoder]

Yeah.

[Patrick]

But if you work for it, point it out.

[Justin Yoder]

Awesome. Love that. If you want to learn more about LGBT outdoors, go to lgbtoutdoors.com we have a newsletter that you can sign up for at the bottom of the homepage especially. It's a great place to go and get that. I want to thank the three of you for joining me for this podcast. That's very unusual from what we've done before and it has been amazing. And until next time, get out there.

[DJ Johanneson]

Thank you again for joining us this week. If you have a campfire conversation story you would like to share, please email it to us at Info Gbtout, Follow us on Instagram @LGBToutdoors and join the community at facebook.com groups. LGBT outdoors, become a partner by joining our Patreon, where you'll gain access to monthly bonus stories and exclusive content. For more information on today's episode, check out the show Notes. For information about LGBT outdoors, LGBT Outdoor Fest, local chapters, or to sign up for our newsletter, visit LGBToutdoors. And if you're enjoying the show, please rate, review and follow wherever you listen to podcasts.