S2 : Ep 5 : Lyla Harrod | Through-Hiking; A Journey of Self-Discovery and Embracing Authenticity

In this episode, we dive deep into the captivating adventures of Cherie Bélanger, our esteemed LGBT+ Outdoors Ambassador Program Manager, as she explores the breathtaking landscapes of New Hampshire. Cherie's journey isn't just about scaling mountains or traversing trails; it's a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity in the great outdoors. From discovering her love for the wilderness to her role as a trailblazer for inclusivity in outdoor spaces, Cherie's story inspires listeners to embrace their true selves and find solace in nature's embrace.Tune in as Cherie shares her insights, challenges, and triumphs, reminding us all that the outdoors are for everyone, regardless of identity or background. Join us on this voyage as we celebrate Cherie's unwavering passion for adventure and her dedication to fostering a more inclusive outdoor community.Host:  Justin YoderGuest: Cherie BelangerTo help support this podcast and the mission of LGBT+ Outdoors, join The LGBT+ Outdoors Trailblazers Society for perks and bonus episodes.Join our main Facebook group to get connected!This episode is brought to you by LGBT+ Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

In out first-ever LIVE attempt, we recorded this episode at LGBT Outdoorfest 2024 at the Colorado State University Mountain Campus -- in the Rocky Mountains.The conversation revolves around the LGBT Outdoorfest 2024, highlighting its purpose as a queer summer camp for adults, the various activities and workshops available, and the personal connections formed among participants. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, pushing comfort zones, and the significance of the outdoors in fostering mental peace. The speakers share their experiences, the growth of the event, and the future vision for inclusivity and diversity within the outdoor space.Host:  Justin YoderGuests:Josh McNabbKayley OlsonDeeJay JohannessenCheck out DeeJay's organization!Help support this podcast and the LGBT Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website.This episode is brought to you by LGBT Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

In this episode, host Justin Yoder interviews Anton Yupangco, an avid fly fisherman and architect based in Los Angeles. Anton shares his journey into fly fishing, the challenges he faced as a gay man in the outdoors, and the joy he finds in the sport. Host Justin YoderConnect with Anton:  Anton YupangcoHelp support this podcast and the LGBT Outdoors mission by joining our Patreon.To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website.This episode is brought to you by LGBT Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Lyla shares her journey of self-discovery, sobriety, and love for the outdoors. Growing up in a community where LGBTQ+ rights were not discussed, Lyla struggled to identify her feelings. It wasn't until she got sober and embraced her gender transition that she found the capacity and resources to step into her authenticity. Lyla's love for the outdoors blossomed after her sobriety, and she embarked on through hikes, including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. She became the first known openly trans woman to complete the Triple Crown. Lyla also created her own route, the Divide to Crest route, connecting various trails and routes. She shares insights into her gear, pack weight, resupplies, and food choices while on the trail. Lyla shares her experience as a queer and trans through-hiker, discussing topics such as affordable backpacking food, handling water situations, and the importance of gender presentation in the outdoors. Host Justin Yoder Co-host Patrick Thompson Connect with Lyla:  Lyla HarrodHelp support this podcast and the LGBT Outdoors mission by joining our Patreon.To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website.This episode is brought to you by LGBT Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

It's trivia time!   We're bringing back some of your favorite LGBT Outdoors Trivia players and also introducing some fresh talent into the mix.    We're asking trivia questions related to the great outdoors and the LGBTQ+ world.  A lighthearted, goofy round of 10 trivia questions on public lands, wildlife, recreation, LGBTQ+ history, and conservation.   How do you stack up?Boring Host:  Patrick ThompsonPlayers:Justin YoderCherie BelangerEsther BourassaRobyn TackittChase CarterTo help support this podcast and the mission of LGBT Outdoors, join our Patreon for perks and bonus episodes.Join our main Facebook group to get connected!This episode is brought to you by LGBT Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.Trivia:  (SPOILERS BELOW)1) https://www.pcta.org/about-us/media/media-fact-sheet2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocodile3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Brown4) https://ourworldindata.org/deforestation  5) https://www.wjhl.com/news/regional/tennessee/americas-oldest-cave-art-discovered-in-tennessee-dates-back-6000-years6) https://www.wilderness.org/articles/article/blm-lands-faqs7) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_condor8) https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2016/summer/lavender.html9) https://www.fws.gov/law/endangered-species-act 10) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouldering

In this episode of The LGBT Outdoors Podcast, host Justin Yoder with co-hosts Patrick Thompson and JC Rienton  are joined by Jule Harle and Justin Bickley, who are passionate about pack rafting and exploring the wilderness in Alaska. Jule is the founder of the Alaska Packraft School and an advocate for pack rafting education and river access. Justin, an ambassador for LGBT Outdoors, returned to Alaska to reconnect with the outdoors and his true self. They discuss their experiences in Alaska, the LGBTQ+ community in the state, and the welcoming nature of the outdoor community. The conversation highlights the beauty and adventure of Alaska and the transformative power of nature. Alaska Packraft SchoolAlaska Packrafting Guide BookConnect with:Jule HarleJustin BickleyHelp support this podcast and the LGBT Outdoors mission by joining our Patreon.To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website.This episode is brought to you by LGBT Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

LGBT Outdoors Podcast host Justin Yoder with co-hosts Patrick Thompson and JC Rienton take a deep dive into what inclusion REALLY looks like with our guest Kyle Stepp.    This is a complex, challenging, and convicting discussion with compassion and Kyle's generous spirit.   We plan to continue this conversation and to grow closer to creating space for true, genuine inclusion.Kyle's InstagramHelp support this podcast and the LGBT Outdoors mission by joining our Patreon.To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website.This episode is brought to you by LGBT Outdoors Podcast's incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds, and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Chris and Noel, a retired couple, share their journey of selling all their possessions and traveling full-time in an RV. They discuss their teaching careers, coming out experiences, and the challenges they faced in a different time. They also talk about the impact of COVID-19 on their travels and the unexpected surprises they encountered along the way. Noel and Chris share their experiences of embracing the unexpected, learning to be flexible, and finding joy in the beauty and messiness of travel. They discuss the value of summiting difficult hikes and the diversity of geography and national parks. As a same-sex couple, they reflect on their positive experiences on the road and the inclusivity of the RVing community. They also discuss their role as Winnebago ambassadors and the importance of community in the RVing lifestyle. Their advice to potential RVers is to take the leap and start exploring, no matter how small the first step may be.Host :  Justin Yoder Co-host : Patrick Thompson Chris and Noel's InstagramLGBT Outdoors is proud (and immensely grateful) to partner with Winnebago Industries in helping to make the outdoor space more inclusive.Help support this podcast and the LGBT Outdoors mission by joining our Patreon.To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website.This episode is brought to you by one of LGBT Outdoors incredible sponsors, Spacious Skies Campgrounds and  Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Most would define an ultra-marathon as a foot race longer than the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles.    Our guest this episode, Jeffrey Binney, is an excitable long-distance runner, advocate champion for inclusion, and long-time friend of LGBT Outdoors.Host:  Justin YoderCo-hosts:   Patrick Thompson and JC RientonGuest:  Jeffrey BinneyJeffrey's WebsiteJeffrey's Film "Once Is Enough"Jeffrey's Episode of LGBT Outdoors LIVE!To help support this podcast and the mission of LGBT Outdoors, join our Patreon for perks and bonus episodes.Join our main Facebook group to get connected!To learn more about LGBT Outdoors, visit our website at LGBTOutdoors.com.

It's time again for another round of LGBT Outdoors Trivia - where we ask trivia questions related to the great outdoors and the LGBTQ+ world.  A lighthearted, goofy round of 10 trivia questions on public lands, wildlife, recreation, LGBTQ+ history, and conservation.   How do YOU stack up?Host\Box Of Old Cables:  Patrick ThompsonPlayers:Justin YoderCherie BelangerDiana MooreEsther BourassaOfficial Scorekeeper:Riley WintersTo help support this podcast and the mission of LGBT Outdoors, join our Patreon for perks and bonus episodes.Join our main Facebook group to get connected!Trivia:  (SPOILERS BELOW)1) https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm2)  https://janegoodall.org/3)  https://medium.com/the-vintage-space/gay-astronauts-a-final-frontier-9892d0987fa04) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Capitan5)  https://www.birdspot.co.uk/bird-brain/what-is-the-most-common-bird-in-the-world6)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Arch_National_Park7)  https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-5P/Ozone_hole_goes_large_again8)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Girls 9)  https://facts.net/lifestyle/entertainment/18-astounding-facts-about-rock-painting/10)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaver