In June 2026, the Pride Month Edition of iFishiBelong’s (iFiB) “Be What You Don’t See” campaign features three queer leaders in the fly fishing space talking about how they are centering LGBTQIA2S+ people and welcoming everyone into the sport they love.
- Penny Mabie (she/her): experienced community engagement facilitator, ardent fly angler, conservationist, Chair of the Washington State Council of Trout Unlimited, co-founder of Puget Sound Women on the Fly, and panel moderator
- J. Michelle Swope (she/her), iFishiBelong board member, founding member of United Women on the Fly, seasoned guide, educator, wild fish conservationist, and owner of Crow Creek Fly Shop and Guide Services in Rosalyn, Washington
- Justin Bubenik (he/him), lawyer, founder of Fly Curious, member of the state (Oregon) and national boards of Fly Fishers International, and volunteer with various organizations.
It takes energy to hold that space as a queer person in the industry that is so rooted in not being representative.
Penny asked the panelists how they are centering the queer community in their professional and volunteer work. Justin discussed Fly Curious, the nonprofit he founded and runs, which introduces LGBTQ+ folks to fly fishing and coldwater conservation, and improves representation in the industry. He helps new and experienced anglers to find community and improve their skills by offering a low-cost guide service focused on getting more queer people in the outdoors, on the water, and into the industry.
J. Michelle talked about how, in her role as full owner of the Crow Creek Fly Shop, she is removing barriers for entering the world of fly fishing and conservation through more inclusive language on the website, in advertising, and in-store messaging. “Instead of just having a flag on the door, we are being more welcoming when people actually come through the door, being welcoming to all folk, regardless of if they look like someone who comes in a fly shop or not. I get to train and work with my staff to do that.”
Both Justin and J. Michelle spoke about the importance of representation in the changing face of fly fishing, which is evolving from a stereotypically aristocratic and “good ol’ boy” sport to one that is more inclusive. Justin: “Just being there, being who you are, and being a (queer) shop owner…It takes energy to hold that space as a queer person in the industry that is so rooted in not being representative.” Penny added: “I’m very open about who I am… Just by being a queer chair of the Washington State Council of Trout Unlimited, I talk about my partner, I am representing.”
All three panelists referenced the idea of invisibility. Justin pointed out the harm of people saying, “they don’t care that we’re queer…Its part of who we are, so you should care.” He speaks up about his gay identity so that other queer folk will see that they are in a safe space. J. Michelle is making her fly shop a safe space by becoming more vocal “when a conversation in the shop is headed in a direction that I know is going to be harmful to others.” Penny remembered a time when invisibility meant safety, “I had rainbow stickers on my vehicles, and when I was heading to Idaho and Montana, I took them off before I went…I wouldn’t do that now.”
J. Michelle cited how iFishiBelong and United Women on the Fly create safe places for people who identify as women to camp and fish together at DIY events. “We don’t talk publicly about where we’re going to go as a group or individuals, and we encourage folks to fish in twos and threes.” The organizers also identify businesses and other services with a proven track record of being queer friendly. Still, she says, “It’s tough to guarantee…It’s not a vetting system.”
Penny asked what strong allyship would look like. J. Michelle offered this definition: “the active, ongoing practice of using your privilege to support and advocate for folks that don’t share your privilege.”
The following suggestions on becoming a strong ally to queer people were made by the three panelists:
- Listen first
- Educate yourself
- Use gender neutral language
- Risk feeling uncomfortable – don’t be afraid of doing it wrong
- If you hear hate, speak up – stand up for the queer community in life and on social media
- Participate in training sessions about how to be more welcoming
J. Michelle: “Knowing that suddenly there’s someone talking to them that has an inviting space just by changing the language..it’s amazing to just feel the pressure drop in a room.”
Allies play a crucial role in making the fly fishing community more inclusive by offering support, amplifying LGBTQIA2S+ voices, and creating welcoming spaces. True inclusivity requires a collective effort.
Here’s how you can support:
- Take action by using your dollars to support queer owned fly shops, guide services, and businesses that support LGBTQIA2S+ pride in meaningful ways
- Follow, like, share, and comment on the Pride Panel’s 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 to the Pride Panelists. Your support helps ensure that fly fishing is truly a space where everyone belongs.
Penny asked the panelists what they would like to see year-round, not just during Pride Month. What do they hope for the future to help queer people be more accepted and feel safer as they go about their fly fishing journey?
Justin: “less complacency about representation to that others feel safe and seen. We all deserve validation.”
J. Michelle: “I expect every day of my life to have more interactions with more people who care and want the world to be better, and want to have a supportive community, regardless of how they identify.”
Penny: “June accentuates the fact that queer people deserve to be celebrated…the rest of the year, we also deserve to be recognized, acknowledged, and valued, not othered. And also not thought of as ‘it doesn’t matter,’ because if I’m none of your business, you diminish me.”
June accentuates the fact that queer people deserve to be celebrated…the rest of the year, we also deserve to be recognized, acknowledged, and valued, not othered. And also not thought of as ‘it doesn’t matter,’ because if I’m none of your business, you diminish me.
- Justin Bubenik – @justinbubenik
- Fly Curious
- Email: [email protected]
- Penny Mabie – @pennymabie
- J. Michelle Swope
The 2026 iFishiBelong “Be What You Don’t See” campaign highlights leaders breaking barriers in the fishing industry. Throughout the year, we will feature individuals who challenge conventions and inspire change with passion and resilience, motivating the next generation of anglers to create their paths and “be what they don’t see.” By highlighting these trailblazers, we aim to inspire broader participation and show that leadership roles in the fishing industry are accessible to everyone, creating a more inclusive vision of success.
