We are beyond excited to partner with LGBT Outdoors this month, working some of their ambassadors to share their incredible stories. LGBT Outdoor is on a mission to encourage and enable members of the LGBTQ+ community to get outdoors and connect with nature and the world around them.
Read on for more about LGBT Outdoors ambassadors and what the outdoors means to each of them.
Justin Yoder | Founder of LGBT Outdoors
I grew up on a farm in Garden City, Missouri, and moved to Texas in 2005. I came out in 2010 after I started dating a guy for the first time. Almost 11 years later and we are now married and he, Patrick Thompson, helps run LGBT Outdoors. I founded LGBT+ Outdoors out of my love for the outdoors and not seeing a place for me to fit into the outdoor community as a gay man. Aside from sharing my passion for the outdoors and the LGBTQ+ community, I also have a big passion for Africa and photography. I've been to 7 countries in Africa on over 12 trips mostly helping with AIDS/HIV relief projects with kids.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
To me, the outdoors means freedom. It's a place to connect with nature and escape the "real world" for a place you can just breathe deeply and be you while embracing the beauty around you.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Pride means visibility to me. The more people see us, the LGBTQ+ community, as a part of society, the more walls are torn down and more acceptance can happen.
Patrick Thompson
Board member and Creative Director for LGBT+ Outdoors, Patrick lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his husband Justin with their two dogs and two cats.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors, to me, means what I need it to mean at any given moment. Whether I'm seeking adventure or simple calm, it always provides in an AWEsome and surprising, beautiful way.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
To me, Pride is about more than accepting or even celebrating who I was created to be. It's being grateful to be part of a GORGEOUS, diverse, wild community of humans. It's being grateful for and honoring the countless warriors who have fought for my rights before I was even born. It is the recommitment to help carve out space for those that will follow behind me. It is the remembrance that, when coming out 20+ years ago, I never imagined I would be able to legally marry, and here we are now. So, it's not the literal definition of 'pride' that carries weight this Pride Month. It is the deep appreciation of achieving the impossible, and the daunting understanding that there is much more work to be done.
Chrissy Toussaint
I love the outdoors, animals and history. I volunteer at Washington Crossing at the Thompson Neely House taking care of the sheep and goats. My fiance and I just bought our first house.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors mean adventure, connections, freedom and the ability to see the world differently.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Being proud of who you are despite what the world thinks of you.
Jocelyn Woolf
I currently work in the engineering and survey career field as well as the Air Force Reserves. I have a passion for traveling, being outdoors, and learning about new cultures.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Being outdoors is my favorite place. It's peaceful, and if you allow it can be a very humbling and a learning experience.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Being passionate and loyal about a certain issue or topic.
Cameron Call
Single dad of 3 kids. Chiropractor. Adventure seeker.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
It's where I go to connect with myself and feel grounded. The outdoors reminds just how much abundance there is in my life.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Pride to me means being able to exhale and be yourself without fear.
Robert Gable
Native Alabamian, I've been an Oregonian for 6+ years. I love the nature that surrounds us, both in mountains and the coastal region. The endless outdoor activities are one of the things that I love about this region of the county. From hiking (easy and intense), cycling, and walking; to kayaking, river tubing, and more, the Pacific Northwest has made me a lover of nature in all forms. I am very fortunate to have such a happy and fulfilling life with my partners and our three dogs.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Many things. I don't necessarily need remoteness, and I don't necessarily need solitude. For me, the outdoors is a chance to see what is happening outside of the office and outside of the day-to-day life stuff. Whether I'm driving to the mountains, or walking on the sand at the coast, I love seeing all of these things first hand. We have some of the most magnificent naturescapes.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
I came out in 2014 after a wonderful marriage to my wife. I was 33 years old and hated having to hurt someone with what I finally realized was my truth. That wasn't easy; however, I now realize how necessary that truth telling was in order to get to the more authentic me. Since then, life has been full of many ups and downs (like it is for everyone), but just knowing that I'm living the truest life I can lead is so amazing. I am a big believer on paying it forward, and love listening and connecting with people in order to get to know their story and how they have and continue to get to that happy place in life that we all strive for.
Simon Havenhand
I'm a mountain-based storyteller and inclusivity advocate. Calling Canada home since 2016.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors means adventure and reconnection. It's a space to learn and grow, and it encourages me to be mindful. The outdoors is a place where I can be active but also a place where I can relax.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
For me, Pride is a life-long lesson in acceptance. It's a celebration of diversity and a powerful message about inclusivity and what it means to be "normal". Pride is a community where everyone is welcome.
Robyn Tackitt
I'm the new LGBT Outdoors ambassador for Waco, Texas. I enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Being outside away from a man-made environment.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
The ability to be myself because of the sacrifice of those before me.
Kenneth Nalley
I was born and raised in Texas. I spent my childhood finding the natural areas to play in while living in large urban/suburban areas. As a teen and young adult I struggled coming to terms with my sexuality and planned to always hide who I truly was because I never thought I'd be accepted by my friends and family. I was 23 when I decided to come out and was largely embraced by everyone who I cared about in my life. I have spent the last seven years after coming out learning to love myself as well. I am happy to say that I have fully embraced who I am and am so proud to be a part of the LGBTQIA family.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors allow us to connect to nature and ultimately each other. It serves as a reminder that every living is connected and comes from the earth; and that truth is greater than anything that divides us.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
PRIDE is celebrating what makes us as LGBTQIA individuals unique. It is embracing who we are and never making apologies for it.
Andrew Benigno
I'm an outgoing person that enjoys hiking, shooting, and everything outdoors.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Being free and enjoying the world around you.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Being who you are and proud of it.
Chad Schuld
A 30 year old dog dad, living in Colorado. I strive to be outdoors as much as I possibly can. I love activities ranging from snowboarding to fishing to hiking and camping. Avid photographer of portraiture and editorials, art has been something I cling to and love. Taurus by nature, outdoors come naturally to me as I am an earth sign. New to Colorado and looking to meet new people and make friends.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors is an escape from reality. You can leave behind everything that you are responsible and live to your primal nature. The beauty that Mother Earth delivers to you before your eyes is something that should not be taken for granted. Drink it in, live it, breathe it, and don't be afraid to capture some amazing photographs to take home and put on your walls.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
PRIDE means being your true self in a safe and proud way. PRIDE is having no hesitation and no filters as to who and what you are. PRIDE is me and who I am.
Andrea Paola Ferrer Facchi
I was born in Venezuela, and have been living in Italy since 2018. I love playing rugby, making videos, flying drones and generating audiovisual content to promote brands on social media. Also I can say that I am an environmentalist and animal lover.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Everything... Beauty and Balance all over!
What does PRIDE mean to you?
It's part of who I am.
Matthew Millspaugh
I grew up in San Luis Obispo, CA where as a kid we were given a lot of freedom to roam and explore. I was also lucky to get introduced to the outdoors by parents; camping, canoeing, hiking etc., all over the western U.S. As an adult I have been an avid cyclist for close to 20 years, enjoying skiing and have recently started backpacking and getting into outdoor photography. When COVID eases up I look forward to traveling and exploring again.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors is a place I derive a lot of energy from and where I can let my mind and body rejuvenate, whether it’s a city park or backcountry wilderness. It's also a place to help find balance even when the elements are challenging you and being outdoors helps me remember how special outdoors spaces are and how much they need our respect and advocacy.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Enjoying life, being proud of who I am, honoring those that fought the fight for our rights and telling the world we are fabulous and here to stay.
Jacob Boudreaux
Southeast Texas country boy, proud and happy to show the world it’s okay to be an outdoorsman and be authentic in your sexuality. I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, video games and drawing.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Serenity, life before responsibilities and an escape from the city. Nature is the most beautiful, peaceful place to be. The outdoors to me represent freedom and embracing my masculinity.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Fully understanding what it means to be an LGBTQ person and the struggles of those before us. Having the courage to be yourself and sharing experience, strength and hope to the generations coming after us.
Jason Fallon
As my instagram profile states I live my life one adventure at a time. I can't get enough of the outdoors and also give a lot of my time to the LGBTQ+ community especially in the sports world. I love to travel and see new things on this planet. Family and friends are a huge part of my life as well.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors is such an important part of my life. It is a place without judgment and without boundaries (well except when you have to stay on the trail lol). The outdoors is my escape and a time for me to recharge. Nature is amazing and beautiful - and I am so happy to have discovered the unlimitless number of amazing places there are to see on this planet.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
PRIDE to me is being proud of who I am through and through. It also means that love is love.
Blaine Amory
I am a 25 year old trans man. Originally from Alaska, and new to the Austin, Texas, area. I am a personal trainer, wildland firefighter, and I love the outdoors.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
It’s my way of connecting with the earth. Being outside definitely is how I regain focus, find clarity, and embrace life.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
I am new to being proud. I’ve found an amazing community that’s teaching me how to love myself. Thanks to them, I’m here now.
Three of our own Superfeet Ambassadors share a love of the outdoors and are proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. Read on to meet Brianna, Connie and Shilletha.
Superfeet Ambassador Brianna Cunningham
I’m Brianna (she/her) and I absolutely love the outdoors. I’ve been hiking and camping since grade school but only recently started calling myself a “hiker”. Monday-Friday I work at a local community college where I oversee the STEM Tutoring Center and weekends (or really any free time I have) I’m out exploring as much of SoCal as I can, from mountains to beaches to the desert. Education has always been a passion of mine and the outdoors has my entire heart so over the years I’ve been slowly working on a plan for an outdoor school/program that will serve inner city kids. I truly believe the outdoors is for everyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or socioeconomic status and I’m hoping to instill this same belief to others I meet on and off trail. Overall I’m a pretty simple 90s kid who still enjoys playing outside!
What do the outdoors mean to you?
When I think of the outdoors I think of peace as I connect with nature and myself. Whether I’m having a picnic at a park or day-hiking through the forest I fill with joy when I’m able to find time to be outdoors.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
For me, PRIDE is knowing who I am and loving all of me regardless of what others may think or say. I didn’t officially “come out” until I was 22 yrs old, mostly because I was still trying to figure out who I was but also because I was ashamed of my own feelings. Now, I can honestly say I have PRIDE in who I am and who and who I love. There are still many young humans who are afraid to express their PRIDE and it breaks my heart. I am hopeful that everyone will be able to celebrate their own PRIDE in a safe and loving way, whether it be during the month of June or every single day like myself.
Superfeet Ambassador Connie Sanchez
I am an outdoor enthusiast from Los Angeles. I aspire to be the ultimate weekend warrior. I love waking up early at the crack of dawn to be the first out on the trails. I enjoy the challenge of a good climb, at some point, it's all mental and you have to trust your body to get you there.
What do the outdoors mean to you?
Being outdoors is my favorite place. It's peaceful, and if you allow it can be a very humbling and a learning experience.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
PRIDE is a time to celebrate that I can authentically be my queer Latina self. Our joy is an act of resistance and we have this month to radiate that energy out to the universe.
Superfeet Ambassador Shilletha Curtis
What do the outdoors mean to you?
The outdoors means the world to me. The outdoors is my world. I am currently thru-hiking the AT and I now know what it is to live. Nature is healing. She is the best keeper of secrets and she will challenge you in ways that only make me stronger in the end.
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Pride means being free to be who I am. I spent so many years in a family that wasn't supportive of who I was initially. When I went to Rutgers, I celebrated my first pride in NYC and it was pure freedom. I felt accepted.