People You Should Know: Founders, Justin Yoder and Patrick Thompson

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 hideThis 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 placestruggled to find communityneeded somewhere to belongor 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/trailblazersContribute to their end-of-year GoFundMe campaign: https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/donateCorporate sponsorships & partnerships: https://www.lgbtqoutdoors.com/partnershipsAll 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 healingNonprofits doing real, boots-on-the-ground workOutdoor therapy disguised as campingThoughtful allyship without savior nonsenseEpisodes that make you feel something…this one’s for you. Support the showStay Connected with us on these platforms:Website: https://www.premeditatedopinions.comYoutube: https://youtube.com/@premeditatedopinionspodcastSubstack: https://substack.com/@premeditatedopinionsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/premeditated_opinions/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@premeditated_opinionsAnd don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share us with your friends and family!