43: Hiking for Visibility: Ryan Schepers’ Appalachian Trail Journey for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Hiking for Visibility: Ryan Schepers’ Appalachian Trail Journey for LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Summary

Join us as Ryan Schepers shares his journey of discovering his queerness through nature, his path in environmental science, and his upcoming Appalachian Trail hike to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the outdoors. This conversation explores how curiosity, community, and authenticity can shape our lives—and inspire others to get outside and be fully themselves.

Key Topics

•  Ryan’s background in environmental science and cellular biology 
•  The intersection of queerness and the natural world 
•  The importance of community and representation in outdoor spaces 
•  Ryan’s Appalachian Trail hike and fundraising efforts 
•  How curiosity and exploration fuel personal growth 

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast
 01:32 – Ryan’s connection to nature
 03:53 – Growing up in Ohio and early outdoor experiences
 09:08 – Curiosity and exploration in nature
 11:25 – Education and career in environmental science
 14:51 – Adventure, biking, and community engagement
 17:57 – Plant science and ecosystem restoration
 18:18 – Queerness in nature
 20:58 – Personal coming out journey
 23:29 – Community and self-discovery
 26:30 – Connecting identity and the outdoors
 29:22 – Preparing for the Appalachian Trail
 32:14 – Representation in outdoor spaces
 34:55 – Encouraging others to explore nature
 37:58 – Fundraising for LGBTQ Outdoors
 41:04 – Final thoughts and call to action

Support Ryan’s Fundraiser

Ryan is hiking the Appalachian Trail to support LGBTQ Outdoors and increase visibility in outdoor spaces.
 👉 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/ryan-schepers-hiking-fundraiser

Resources

•  LGBTQ Outdoors: https://lgbtqoutdoors.com
  
  
•  Trailblazers Society: https://lgbtqoutdoors.com/trailblazer
  
  
•  Ryan Schepers on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lumberjerk
  
  

Keywords

LGBTQ outdoors, Appalachian Trail, environmental science, queer identity, outdoor community, LGBTQ+ visibility, hiking fundraiser, nature exploration, diversity in the outdoors, outdoor advocacy

Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society.

To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.