From Hiking the FULL Appalachian Trail to Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights! How Coming Out Cost Bill Blum Everything (Season 3 Premiere)

Bill Blum knew something was wrong.

They grew up adoring women's fashion. And in 2012, when they hiked the length of the Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine!!!), they wore a kilt the entire time.

Still, it took a few more years for Bill to put the pieces together.

And when they finally did, their entire life came crashing down.

Today, Bill is the proud owner of Pride Toolbox, a handyperson's business which performs small home repairs in Portsmouth and beyond. As a nonbinary person, Bill is also a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Concord, N.H.

In the Season 3 premiere of "Seacoast Stories," host Troy Farkas sits down with Bill to discuss their transition, coming out before they wanted to, why they do the backbreaking wok of advocacy, and the strength of the Pride community on the Seacoast. Before that, Bill also tells the crazy story of their 2200 mile traverse from Georgia to Maine, and what they learned about themselves along the way.

CHAPTERS:

• Stories from hiking the full Appalachian Trail (00:00)
• Why Bill embarked on this 2200 mile journey (08:51)
• SPONSORS: Sarah Oleson Yoga and Samonas Realty (20:03)
• When Bill started questioning their gender identity (23:07)
• How coming out cost Bill everything (27:53)

• The state of Pride rights in N.H. and beyond (38:55)
• Why Bill goes to Concord to fight for LGBTQ+ rights (47:52)
• Pride Toolbox's values (57:53)
• How would you want to be remembered? (01:03:08)

To learn more about Bill's advocacy work, visit 603equality.org. And to hire Bill for the simple home repair job you don't have time for, you can inquire at PrideToolbox.com.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

• For $100 off the best trip of your life with Sarah Oleson Yoga, use the code "STORIES" at digital checkout. Offer expires 7/7. Check out Sarah's Instagram for some epic photos.
• Visit SamonasGroup.com or stop by Samonas Realty in downtown Portsmouth to learn more about how you can find the Seacoast home of your DREAMS!
• At Portsmouth Paddle Co., "Seacoast Stories" listeners get 15% off one All-Levels SUP Yoga Class AND 15% off a guided tour with code SUPSTORIES15. Book before June 30.

To support this show, make sure to FOLLOW "Seacoast Stories" on our Apple Podcasts page, Spotify feed, or our YouTube channel!