Happy Pride Month! Let’s Talk Being Queer in the Packrafting & Greater Outdoor Community w/ LGBTQ+ Outdoors Founder Justin Yoder & Ambassador Justin Bickley

In celebration of Pride Month, I dedicate this episode of The Packrafting Life to queer folks. ~Lizzy Scully, CEO Four Corners Guides

And according to AI (but with some edits )... In this episode, host Lizzy Scully dives deep into the intersection of queer identity and the great outdoors. Joined by guests Justin Yoder, founder of LGBTQ+ Outdoors, and Justin Bickley, an ambassador & packrafter, the discussion explores how packrafting serves as a unique, meditative, and engaging way to connect queer folks with nature.

Beyond just exploring the serene beauty of rivers, the conversation highlights the vital role packrafting plays in building a supportive and inclusive LGBTQ+ community. Through personal stories and adventure plans, the episode sheds light on the inspiring initiatives like the Armida Horta Adventure Fund and LGBTQ+ Outdoors, which are focused on creating safe and welcoming spaces for queer people and women of color in nature.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in outdoor activities, common misconceptions about queer people in the outdoors (like straight people don't think queer people like the outdoors! Except lesbians, who all drive Subarus. Seriously) and the transformative power of packrafting as a profound means of fostering connection, healing, and authenticity. The episode also touches upon how allies can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment and the importance of representation and visibility in the outdoor industry. Plus, how the outdoor industry can not only help increase participation, but also rake in the dough… 10% of Americans identify as queer... that's billions of dollars, people!

Finally, we touch on some serious dangers facing queer folk in the outdoors and in general... such as  how our government is currently trying to erase and dehumaninze trans people and what can we do as part of the LGBTQ+ community to help them feel more welcome.