Vacationers of the Week: Angel and Ry Green
Our Vacationers of the Week are Angel and Ry Green, an engaged couple that loves to travel, especially hike! Angel (she/they) was born and raised in Trinidad and Ry was born and raised in Philadelphia, and they both currently live in Washington state.
Usually, the 29-year-old fiancées work as caregivers to young adults with disabilities, but when they can, they enjoy traveling together. And since the weather is getting a little warmer, we decided to ask them about some of their favorite spots to hike, tips they’d offer to other lesbian or queer hikers, and much more!
Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Angel Green: I was about 5 years old when I received my first passport. My first trip was when I moved from Trinidad to America. The next trip after that was to England.
Ry Greene: I received my first passport when I was 19 years old, and my first trip out of the country was to Mexico.
What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
Angel: It was when I traveled around Europe as a teenager with my family. We went to England, Greece, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France.
Ry: For me, it was camping and traveling around the Northeast US as a child with my family. My dad’s love of the great outdoors really inspired me at a young age.
What inspires you to travel?
Angel: I traveled to many places when I was young, but traveling to old and new places as an adult and with my partner is what truly inspires me now. I just love exploring with her and seeing how excited she is to travel to new places. Traveling now takes on a new meaning for me as I get to see and experience these places through her eyes.
Ryan: What inspires me as an adult to travel would be my desire to explore and learn new things about different cultures with my fiancé. I just want to see the world together.
Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way you travel. If so, how?
Angel: I identify as a masculine-presenting, non-binary lesbian. I am very aware of how people look and interact with us, especially because of the way I present. I would say what influences the way we travel depends on where we are traveling to and how open and accepting the people who live there typically are.
Ry: And I identify as queer and lesbian. Traveling as a couple has actually made me more cautious than when I was traveling single. I do more research about the areas where we are going regarding LGBTQIA laws and regulations.
Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where?
Prior to the pandemic, we traveled to Bangalore, India, an area that we didn’t think would be queer-friendly, but we were pleasantly surprised. The most memorable experience for us was definitely the food, it was just incredible!!
How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers?
We have been traveling together since the beginning of 2021. Our first road trip together was to Boise, Idaho to visit some friends. Our first trip out of the country together was to London, England.
What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting Seattle?
When visiting Washington, we would recommend Queer/Bar or The Wild Rose for a night out. We also recommend Southgate Roller Rink on Wednesdays for Pride Skate, and if you’re looking to join us for a hike you can check out our Facebook group, Queer Hiking Washington State!
What are your top three favorite (specific) places to hike? Why?
Our top three hiking spots would be:
1. Heather Lake in the North Cascades because the destination is just incredible.
2. Joshua Tree National Park because the landscape and rock formations are indescribable.
3. Anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula because the climate and views provide a unique experience.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ travelers, specifically lesbian or queer women, who want to go explore the Pacific Northwest US (PNW)? What travel tips or advice did you wish someone had told you?
Our first piece of advice would be don’t trust AllTrails if you’re looking to hike a new spot. They will more times than not give you incorrect information. Check out the state or county websites or get your information from a local travel blogger.
Our second piece of advice would be to check the weather predictions right before you leave your hotel. The weather system in the PNW has its own mind and changes frequently. We always make sure we have sunscreen and our rain jackets in our packs because if it’s not one, it’s the other.
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
We are currently trying to pick out a destination for our honeymoon, so we are hoping to go to one place on our bucket list. Three places on our long bucket list are Thailand, Indonesia, and the Galapagos Islands. These are the top contenders for our honeymoon for the food, wildlife, and exploration opportunities.
