LGBT Outdoors

A letter from our Founder and Executive Director:

I know many may be questioning what this season means for their futures—wondering if the outcome affects their rights, their ability to live openly, authentically, and fully. While we do not know what the future holds, I want every LGBTQIA+ person to know that LGBT+ Outdoors stands with you, unwavering, no matter the outcome of any election and we are here for you. I want to remind you of the mission that binds us. In times when many of us are considering the paths we choose to walk, it’s especially meaningful to remember the spaces we create together.

Our mission is to empower the LGBTQIA+ community to connect with nature and each other by creating safe, inclusive outdoor spaces. This might seem trivial to you right now, but we are family, and, in these spaces, you will always be free to be you. This commitment is more than words, it’s a promise to build bridges, to inspire joy, and to cultivate community in beautiful outdoor spaces. This mission, and our collective efforts, transcend any one season.

During this time, let’s lean on one another, share our concerns openly, and encourage each other to keep pressing on. After this moment of reflection, we will move forward — stronger and more committed than ever to fighting for our rights and standing up for the values we believe in.

Thank you for your strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our community.

With Deep Appreciation,

Justin Yoder // He/Him
Executive Director, LGBT+ Outdoors

🌟 Ambassador Tuesday Spotlight! 🌟
Today, we’re excited to shine a light on the incredible ! 🌈✨ From adventure stories to community love, they bring so much inspiration and positivity to our feed!

Justin’s connection with the outdoors is rooted deeply in his childhood. Growing up in a military family, he moved around the country a lot, always in search of adventure. Trying to reconnect with that curious little kid who once had his bare feet in Alaskan rivers, catching minnows and spotting cool bugs, he found his way back to Alaska three years ago.

Now, working for the Alaska Packraft School, Justin loves the chance to share the rivers with new friends and teach others how to explore them safely and effectively. It’s a job that lets him share his passion for the wild places he calls home.

As an Ambassador for LGBT+ Outdoors, Justin treasures the opportunity to build community. Through nature, he helps others find connection—both with themselves and with others.

If you ever find yourself in Alaska, Justin welcomes you to reach out!

Happy Monday!! 👻 As spooky season wraps up, does that mean the fun stops? Not a chance! Check out what we’ve got planned for the rest of the month and what’s coming up in November. There’s so much more to celebrate, and I can’t wait to share all the exciting events with you! Stay tuned! 🎉

2024 LGBTOutdoorfest

2024 outdoorfest

2024 LGBTOutdoorfest!

🌟 HAPPY FRIYAY, FRIENDS! 🌟

It’s , and today’s shoutout goes all the way to beautiful Norway! Big love and double taps for ! Stan’s been one of our day-one supporters, and we’re beyond grateful for his amazing energy and constant encouragement. ❤️

Here’s a little about this incredible human:

Hi! Stian from Norway here!
My name originate from Old Norse and actually means «wanderer». Little did I know as a child how my name would suit my love for hiking.

Whether it’s a short evening hike in the woods nearby my home, or several days with my tent up in the mountains, the outdoors has always been my breathing space.

The Outdoors to me represent freedom, and it never judge. It offers us all the same experiences, obstacles, challenges and adventures, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

I never go hiking without my hammock and sketchbook. My big and small adventures in the outdoors is my biggest inspiration for my , and there is nothing better than swinging between a perfect papir of pine trees in my hammock and doodling with a view.

Want to be featured in an upcoming post?
📩Send us a DM with :
3-5 pictures 📸
And reasons why you love the outdoors, what outdoor activities you love to do, what the outdoors means to you, etc...



Let’s show Stan some love in the comments!

Today, we’re excited to highlight one of our amazing Fort Collins ambassadors, ! We asked Sam to share a bit about her love for the outdoors and her journey, and here’s what she had to say:

Sam Troi (she/her) first fell in love with the outdoors after leaving the humidity of South Florida and discovering the beauty of the West. Now, she’s all about hiking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), yoga, and hitting the road to explore National Parks—often with her adventure buddy, Fred Harvey the cat. 🐾

What Sam loves most about being an ambassador? Creating welcoming spaces for our community to connect with nature and each other.

Sam’s career is as colorful as her adventures. She’s been a tour manager, interpretive trainer, yoga instructor, trivia host, blackjack dealer, Disney World cast member, Renaissance Festival fairy, Grand Canyon Pride Club president, and more! Now, alongside her ambassador role, she also serves on the board for the National Association for Interpretation.

If you’re in Fort Collins this November, join her for some great events, including a backyard yoga class and a Sunday Stroll. Don’t miss out!

Follow her journey at and check out her upcoming events!

🎙️ ! Can you believe we’re already in Season 2? 🙌 But wait—have you caught up on Season 1 yet? If not, you’re missing out! 😱 Join host Justin Yoder and co-hosts Patrick Thompson & JC Rienton as they sit down with Dylan Sanborn, a wildlife technician from Yellowstone National Park. 🌲🦅

From tracking wolf packs 🐺 to studying bird species, Dylan shares some wild insights into the amazing work happening in Yellowstone. Plus, learn how to tell the difference between brown bears and black bears! 🐻💡

Catch up now and get ready for more epic convos in Season 2! 🎧

🌿 Happy Tuesday, everyone! 🌟 It’s , and today we’re excited to introduce one of our Wisconsin ambassadors, !

With an exciting event coming up, we asked her what she loves most about the great outdoors and what she’s looking forward to this weekend. Here’s what she had to say:

“Connecting with others, discovering new critters, and identifying plants are just a few reasons why I love being outside. Exploring prairies or even suburban areas can feel like a real-life Pokémon adventure when you’re trying to ID everything! It’s also amazing to see others try new experiences for the first time.

As for this weekend’s apple orchard visit, I’m most excited to meet everyone, take in the beautiful fall colors, and of course, enjoy some apple picking!”

🍏🍂 Be sure to follow along this weekend for all the orchard fun!

✨ New week, new events! ✨ Get ready for an exciting lineup of activities happening this month and into the next!

Outlook & Fall Hike | New Hampshire
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Giant Sequoia Hike | California
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Apple Orchard | Wisconsin
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Lake Paddle | Arizona
Ambassador: Parker McGuire

Fall River Hike | Oregon
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Corn Maze | Louisiana
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Fall Hike | Illinois
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Indoor Climbing Basics | Virginia
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Camping Trip | Texas
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Coastline Hike | California
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Mt. Robert's Hike | New Hampshire
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Q***r Ecology Walk | Georgia
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Fahnestock Hike | New York
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Morgan & Percival Hike | New Hampshire
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Holiday Beach Walk | New Hampshire
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Today we want to give a special shoutout to the amazing 📸🌈

Kayley, the photos you captured at LGBTOutdoorfest are nothing short of stunning! You truly brought the magic of the weekend to life through your lens, and we can’t thank you enough for being one of our sponsors. Your talent and passion for capturing these unforgettable moments made the event even more special.

If you haven’t already, go check out and show her some love! 💕

Today, I want to give a huge shoutout to our incredible board and ambassadors who made the 2024 LGBT Outdoorfest unforgettable! Your workshops, creativity, and the joy you spread among all of our guests were absolutely amazing. 🌈 To our board, your hard work and dedication never go unnoticed. Having a team as passionate and inspiring as you is a true gift. The inclusive spaces you help create are a testament to the power of community and love. Thank you all for everything you do! 💖

Happy Monday, everyone! 🍂
We’re back on schedule and ready to make the most of fall! 🍁 We’ve got some incredible events lined up, including hikes, gourmet experiences, and camping trips. 🏞️✨ Take a look at what’s coming up and see what sparks your interest! If something catches your eye, be sure to head to our website and sign up — I promise you’ll have the best time! 🙌 So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some memories! 💫

Shoutout to for hooking us up with some awesome goodies to raffle off at LGBT Outdoors this year! 🎉🌈 Huge congrats to our lucky winners who scored these fab prizes—get ready to adventure in style! 🏞️✨

, you really stepped up our game! 🦶✨ Huge shoutout for hooking up all our guests with your amazing insoles—now every step feels like walking on clouds! ☁️👟 Feet are officially on fleek! 😍💚

It's always big smiles at LGBT Outdoorfest!

***r ***routdoors