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.