This week on Premeditated Opinions, we’re introducing you to two of Josh’s longtime friends and two genuinely good humans: Justin Yoder and Patrick Thompson, the founders of LGBTQ Outdoors.

What started as an Instagram account meant to break stereotypes turned into a national nonprofit helping LGBTQ+ people reconnect with nature, community, and most importantly: belonging. And not in a cheesy way. In a real, life-changing, sometimes-people-cry-at-the-end-of-the-event way.

In this conversation, we talk about:

· Why the outdoors hasn’t always felt safe or welcoming for LGBTQ+ folks

· How representation and explicit invitation change everything

· How LGBTQ Outdoors became a national community with chapters across the U.S.

· Fishing under bridges, pack-rafting in Alaska, and “Outdoor Fest magic”

· The power of chosen family, sunsets, and finally not having to hide

This is one of those episodes that starts thoughtful… and ends deeply human.

LGBTQ Outdoors is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and like many organizations doing DEI-adjacent work, they’ve been hit hard by corporate funding rollbacks. The work hasn’t slowed, but the funding has.

If you’ve ever:

• felt out of place
• struggled to find community
• needed somewhere to belong
• or simply believe LGBTQ+ people deserve safe, joyful space

…this is one of those moments where $10 actually matters.

Ways to Support:

• One-time or monthly donations via their website: https://www.https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/
• Join the Trailblazer Society (monthly giving with perks): https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/trailblazers
• Contribute to their end-of-year GoFundMe campaign: https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/donate
• Corporate sponsorships & partnerships: https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/partnerships

All links are in the show notes, because we make it easy to do the right thing.

This episode is dropping before year-end, which means your donation is tax-deductible and deeply impactful.

If you like:

• Conversations about faith, belonging, and healing
• Nonprofits doing real, boots-on-the-ground work
• Outdoor therapy disguised as camping
• Thoughtful allyship without savior nonsense
• Episodes that make you feel something

…this one’s for you.

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