LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Finding Community in Parks and Recreation — Episode 041

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re talking inclusion.
And, in celebration of June being Pride Month, we’re talking
specifically about LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and recreation.


In our research about LGBTQ+ issues and parks and recreation, we
came across a blog by Jason Shriner, the marketing manager for
the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation
right here in Virginia. Jason’s blog talks about some of his own
experiences and how working in parks and recreation means being a
leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion.


Since he was right in our backyard, we invited Jason over to NRPA
headquarters to pick his brain about inclusion and talk a little
more about that blog.


On this episode, Jason shares how he got into parks and
recreation (spoiler: he and Roxanne share a deep-rooted love of
baking), how his own journey has led him to being a leader in
LGBTQ+ inclusion and why he thinks inclusion is so critical in
parks and recreation.


He also shares a few things that the City of Manassas Park
Department of Parks and Recreation has done to ensure that its
parks and facilities are more inclusive and welcoming to all,
including:


Partnering with organizations like PFLAG (parents, families
and friends of the LGBTQ+ community) and Team DC (an LGBTQ+
sports club in Washington, D.C.)

Offering LGBTQ+ specific programs like yoga and self-defense

Using gender-neutral and inclusive language in
handbooks/policies

Replacing gender-specific, single-stall bathrooms with
all-gender bathrooms

Adding sexual orientation and gender identity to agency’s
non-discrimination policy



These are just a few of the amazing things that Jason has helped
facilitate at his agency, so be sure to tune in below to learn
more, as well as hear some small changes that you can make in
your parks and facilities to ensure that everyone feels safe and
welcome.


Additional resources:


NRPA’s Parks for Inclusion


NRPA Webinar: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Parks and Recreation


Jason's article from the June issue of Parks & Recreation
magazine


Jason’s blog that inspired this episode


City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation


PFLAG


Pride in Parks: The Role of Parks in the Pride Movement and
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community