47: Benji Zecher: Finding Connection, Community & Conservation in the Ocean

In this episode, we sit down with Benji Zecher, a queer Pacific Northwest-based educator and naturalist, to talk about their journey into ocean conservation, freediving, and outdoor education.Benji shares how the ocean became both a teacher and a refuge, and how connecting with nature can support mental health, build community, and inspire us to become better stewards of the places we love.We also explore the importance of representation in environmental and outdoor spaces, the role of Indigenous stewardship, and how challenging colonial ideas about conservation can create more inclusive and connected relationships with nature.In This Episode, We Talk About:Benji's journey from landscape architecture to ocean conservation and stewardshipHow freediving has shaped their relationship with the oceanThe mental health benefits of spending time in nature and the waterWhy queer and Indigenous representation matters in conservationThe ocean as a place of refuge, learning, and connectionWhat applied freediving means and its cultural significanceHow colonial ideas have shaped environmental and queer spacesThe role of harvesting and stewardship in maintaining healthy ecosystemsBuilding more inclusive outdoor and environmental communitiesWhy representation can help more people see themselves as part of the conservation movementConnect With LGBTQ OutdoorsGet outside with us! LGBTQ Outdoors creates inclusive opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to connect with nature, build community, and explore together.Join the Community: Visit LGBTQOutdoors.com to learn more about our events, Adventure Trips, ambassadors, and ways to get involved.Become a Trailblazer: Support LGBTQ Outdoors year-round by joining the Trailblazers Society, our monthly giving community. Your support helps us create more opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people to experience the outdoors.Enjoying the Podcast? Help us spread the word! Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other people discover the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast.Follow LGBTQ Outdoors: Stay connected with us on social media for upcoming events, outdoor adventures, stories, and more.Support Our Work: Your support helps us continue creating welcoming outdoor spaces and breaking down barriers to outdoor recreation for the LGBTQIA+ community.Get outside. Find your people. Be yourself. Help support this podcast and the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by joining The Trailblazers Society. To learn more about LGBTQ Outdoors, visit our website.