Kicking off the iFishiBelong “Be What You Don’t See” campaign is our friend Justin Bubenik. Justin’s passion for creating inclusive outdoor spaces stems from his own experiences of feeling unseen in the fly fishing community. Growing up, he rarely saw anyone who reflected his identity and felt like he had to live two separate lives, one as an angler and another as his true self. This disconnect weighed on him for years, making it difficult to fully embrace both his love for fishing and who he was. Determined to change that for others, he set out to create a welcoming and supportive space where people can be their authentic selves without hesitation. By increasing visibility and building connections, he hopes to ensure that future generations feel a true sense of belonging in the sport.
Justin grew up in Oregon and started fly fishing when he was just 8 years old. He was excited to see a trout take a fly. He became a self-described “fly nerd,” entering fly tying competitions and attending fly fishing camps. Today, he is an attorney who finds time not only to fish but to give back through teaching and encouraging others, in particular fellow members of the LBGTQ+, to embrace fly fishing.
Now living in Bend, Justin considers the Deschutes and Rogue rivers to be his home waters, but he grew up on the Clackamas, a tributary of the Willamette, where he hooked his first steelhead on a fly that he tied. Justin is also a hunter and uses materials he harvests for fly tying. He is fascinated by the science that surrounds fly fishing – the hydrology, entomology, and biology – and the challenge of fly casting. “I can’t say that I’m an expert at any of that, but it gives me something to shoot for. It’s a sport that I feel like you’re always learning.”
Justin’s passion for creating inclusive outdoor spaces comes from his own experiences growing up. He didn’t come out until he was 21, spending much of his life feeling like he had to keep an important part of himself hidden. In the fly fishing and outdoor communities, he rarely saw anyone who reflected his identity, most often encountering the stereotypical white fly fisherman or older gentleman. Without representation, he struggled to feel like he truly belonged and felt as if he had to live two separate lives: one as a fly angler and another as his authentic self. The disconnect weighed on him for years, making it difficult to fully embrace both his love for fishing and who he was.
Determined to change that experience for others, Justin set out to create something that a younger version of himself could have looked up to; a community where people could be their true selves without hesitation. His goal was to build a welcoming and supportive space in the outdoors, one where identity is embraced rather than hidden. By creating connections and increasing visibility, he hopes to ensure that future generations won’t have to question whether they belong on the water.
Justin understands the value of active involvement in organizations and acknowledges that many still have progress to make. By volunteering and participating within these groups, he believes he can use his voice to help drive meaningful change from within. Here are a few ways Justin has contributed to the community and fly fishing industry:
- High School Fly Fishing Club Founder – Started giving back to the community by founding his school’s fly fishing club.
- Pasadena Casting Club – Served as a volunteer instructor and board member while in law school in Southern California.
- Trout Unlimited Stream Girls Project – Empowers girls through science, art, and angling, helping build confidence and break down barriers.
- The Mayfly Project – Mentors foster children through fly fishing.
- Fly Fishers International – Serves on the Board and contributes to the conservation and education committees.
- American Fly Fishing Trade Association Diversity Committee – Advocates for a more inclusive industry by encouraging fly shops, companies, and media to embrace DEI initiatives and ensuring events and programs welcome diverse backgrounds.
- iFishiBelong – Justin will serve as a co-host for the 2025 Oregon iFishiBelong event, offering his expertise to participants. In previous casting clinics, he has generously shared his knowledge to assist fellow anglers.
Justin highlighted two organizations dedicated to creating welcoming spaces for queer individuals and their allies, both within the outdoor industry and the broader community. Actively involved in both organizations, he also began hosting fly fishing workshops to foster inclusivity and connection within his community.
- LGBTQ Outdoor Summit
- Brings together LGBTQ outdoor and environmental professionals and allies to boost LGBTQ representation and inclusion outdoors!
- LBGTQ+ Outdoors
- Connects the LGBTQIA+ community to the outdoors and each other by creating inclusive spaces, fostering belonging, and advocating for greater representation in the outdoor industry.
- LGBT+ Outdoorfest
- LGBT+ Outdoorfest 2025 is the ultimate celebration of community, adventure, and inclusivity in the great outdoors! This one-of-a-kind event brings together LGBTQIA+ individuals for a weekend filled with exciting activities, educational workshops, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to outdoor exploration, there’s something for everyone.
Key Focus Areas:
- Workshops & Skill Building – Provides educational opportunities to help LGBTQ+ individuals and allies develop fly fishing skills and confidence in outdoor spaces.
- Community Events – Organizes gatherings and meet-ups to foster connections and create a sense of belonging among queer anglers and conservationists.
- Advocacy & Representation – Partners with fly shops, agencies, companies, and organizations to promote inclusivity and increase LGBTQ+ visibility in fly fishing and the outdoor industry.
Fly Curious was born from personal experience—recognizing the lack of representation in the industry and the need for a space where individuals can see others like them. By challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers, the organization is helping to shape a more inclusive future for fly fishing and conservation.
- Queer Fly Fishing Instructors Wanted
- Having instructors who share similar identities with students creates a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Fly Curious is always seeking educators, no need to be an expert or a guide! Anyone with fishing experience has valuable knowledge to share and can make a difference as an instructor.
- Fly Curious offers We provide training and resources to help instructors develop teaching skills and confidently share their knowledge.
- Monetary Donations
- Fly Curious operates on a small budget, primarily covering volunteer expenses and essential costs to keep programs running efficiently. Every contribution helps sustain their mission while keeping costs low.
- Gear Donations
- Fly rods, reels, waders (even those needing minor repairs), and fly tying equipment are especially needed to support workshops and skill-building sessions.
Go to the Fly Curious Fishing webiste HERE to learn more.
Allies play a crucial role in making the fly fishing community more inclusive by offering support, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and creating welcoming spaces. While Fly Curious Fishing is dedicated to uplifting queer anglers, true inclusivity requires a collective effort.
Here’s how you can support:
- Follow, like, share, and comment on Fly Curious social media to increase visibility.
- Share resources with those who identify within the queer fishing community.
- Speak out against hate and discrimination in outdoor spaces.
- Help create welcoming environments for all anglers.
- Support organizations actively working to foster LGBTQIA2S+ inclusivity.
- Volunteer at events or find other ways to lend a hand.
For more ways to support, reach out at [email protected]. Your support helps ensure that fly fishing is truly a space where everyone belongs.
Justin shares advice for queer individuals looking to enter the fishing industry: Many of the biggest barriers stem from internal fears, fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, or feeling like you don’t belong. While these fears are valid, overcoming them can open doors to a welcoming and supportive community. Allies and advocates outnumber those with negative intentions, making inclusion and acceptance more achievable.
Ways to Get Involved & Make an Impact:
- Overcome imposter syndrome – You belong, and you have valuable knowledge to share.
- Join local fly fishing clubs – Engage with your community and volunteer on education committees.
- Teach & mentor – Volunteer as an instructor with Fly Curious.
- Reach out – Connect with [email protected] for opportunities.
- Support inclusive organizations – Contribute to groups working toward LGBTQIA2S+ representation in fishing.
- Work from within – Get involved with an organization and help shape its inclusivity efforts.
