In the second episode of Big Gay Out, we take a forest walk with Casey Grooten, a Kalamazoo-based multidisciplinary artist. Casey discusses the expectations of androgyny, growing up sheltered, and the rewards of exploration. Take a walk in the woods. Be yourself out there. Thank you for joining us.

In the first episode of Big Gay Out, we take a forest walk with Mae Risk, owner of Heirloom Arts. Mae discusses coming to terms with gender, how to identify poison ivy, and queer marriage. Come take a walk, learn to accept what is around you, and acknowledge all that sits within. Thank you for joining us.

Mae uses they/them pronouns. Big Gay Out is a series that explores gender, sexuality, and everything in-between. This episode contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.

We love where we live. It’s a huge part of why we decided to set roots down in Kalamazoo after growing up in the area. (Fun fact, we met when J was in middle school and Haley in high school). Kalamazoo has something special-a spark we just can’t completely describe-but by golly, we’ll try.