Aaron and Kate talk to Dr. Hitesh Tolani, creator of the Gays of National Parks Instagram account, which is aimed at fostering community among LGBTQ people through a love of the outdoors. Hitesh began the account as a joke in 2022, but it has since grown into a community with over 15,000 followers. Hitesh talks about how the group is fostering connection both online and in person, as well as why representation in the outdoors and park leadership matters.

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• The Supreme Court will consider reinstating a critical approval for a rail project in eastern Utah – Associated Press
  
• Contact Gays of National Parks
  
• New state program aims to put 500,000 acres of Montana prairie under conservation leases – Montana Free Press
  

Hosts: Kate Groetzinger & Aaron Weiss 

Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org

Music: Purple Planet

Featured image: Participants in a GONP trip, courtesy of Hitesh Tolani

The post How an Instagram ‘joke’ turned into an outdoor LGBTQ community appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.