Fostering an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Environment in Parks and Recreation — Episode 094

As we continue to lift up stories of inclusion in celebration of
Pride Month, my colleagues Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of
health, and Teresa Morrisey, a program manager on NRPA’s Park
Access team, recently published a blog post on the Open Space
blog titled, “A Pathway to Trans Inclusion in Youth Sports.” I
highly recommend checking it out to learn more about building
more inclusive environments where all people, regardless of their
gender identity or expression, are welcomed, accepted and fully
able to participate in park and recreation facilities and
programming — including recreational sports. One of the
individuals featured in the blog post was Peyton O’Conner, AICP,
CPRE, CNP, CYSA (they/she), the parks and recreation director for
Buncombe County in Asheville, North Carolina. I’m thrilled to
welcome Peyton to the show today to have a conversation around
LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and rec, as well as discuss the good
work they’re doing in Buncombe County.


When NRPA released guidance on transgender inclusion in youth
sports back in April, Peyton reached out in support, and
expressed the need for expanding this guidance to adult
recreational sports, as well. Peyton has been instrumental in
advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in their community and in park
and recreation programming, and has been on a mission to
implement an inclusion policy for trans kids at their agency.
And, as we’re also looking ahead to Park and Recreation Month in
July and this year’s theme of “Our Park and Recreation Story,” I
thought it would be a great opportunity for listeners to hear
Peyton’s story, as well.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about how Peyton
is using their own experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
to advocate for creating more inclusive spaces and programs in
parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:


What compelled Peyton to reach out to NRPA when they first
noticed the guidance on transgender inclusion in youth sports.

The importance of approaching conversations about LGBTQ+
inclusion the same as any other anti-discrimination policy —
based on a set of facts and not up for discussion or debate.

How Peyton’s agency realized they needed a formal inclusion
policy for trans kids, and how their staff and community
responded.

How park and recreation professionals can advocate for more
inclusive policies in their own communities.

How small changes, like using individuals’ preferred pronouns
and gender-neutral restrooms, can have a huge impact, and much
more!