
upcoming events.

OAT Together: Living Intersectionally
Join us in July to discuss the importance of intersectionality. Why is it important to prioritize making spaces inclusive of everyone? In a world where DEI is constantly being attacked, what can we do to create safe and welcoming spaces? What does the word intersectionality even mean? Come chat with us at Jordan Valley Park. Afterwards, we'll have a relaxing stroll around the park. We hope to see you there!

OAT Ozarks: The Evolution of Drag
Meet us bright and early at the Alamo Drafthouse parking lot, where we’ll carpool to our hiking location. After a morning of hiking, we’ll find a good spot and sit down for lunch (provided). After we eat, we’ll dive into the history and evolution of drag, learning about how queens from across time have used the art of drag to rebel, protest, entertain, and express themselves. After our lesson, we’ll finish our hike and head back to Springfield.
The registration cost is $25. To secure a spot, sign up at this link: https://www.outandabouttravels.org/shop-oat/p/oat-ozarks-the-evolution-of-drag

OAT Together: The Importance of Community
Community is a term that’s thrown around a lot and has high value placed on it, but why? And if we value community so much, why is society structured to avoid building genuine connection? How do we build strong communities when there are so many obstacles in the way? Let’s discuss these questions and more at Doling Park in August. After our discussion, we’ll take some time to walk around the park. We hope to see you there!

OAT Together: The Power of Voting Local
We all know that voting in national elections are important, but what’s the point of voting in local elections? When do local elections happen? What does a city counsel even do? Meet OAT at Sequiota Park to discuss the differences between national and local politics and the power you gain in voting local. Afterwards, we’ll walk around and enjoy the park. We’d love to see you there!

OAT Ozarks Hike: Resiliency in the Queer Community (Sunday)
Get Out and About with us on our first OAT Ozarks hike! We’ll meet bright and early at 9 a and carpool to our hiking spot. Once everyone in the group is ready, we’ll set off on the first half of our hike! We’ll stop for a picnic lunch (provided) and take some time to dive into the idea of resiliency within the queer community. You’ll learn the basics of what resiliency is, historical examples of queer resiliency, and have an opportunity to reflect on ways that you can become more resilient. After around an hour of lunch and learning, we’ll set forth on the second half of our hike. After we’ve finished up, we’ll carpool back to Springfield and part ways for the evening.

OAT Together: Showing and Growing Your Empathy
This month, get together with us as we discuss all things empathy. What is empathy? Who is deserving of your empathy? How do you show empathy to others? What are some ways you can grow your capacity for empathy? Join us in May to discuss these questions and more! After our discussion, we’ll walk a mile around the park. This is a come and go event. You can leave whenever you’d like!

OAT Together: What is Community?
Our first official Out and About Together meeting! We’ll be discussing the meaning of community and how to go about building the foundation of a welcoming community in Springfield. After this discussion, you can keep the conversation going or strike up a totally new topic with others while we walk a mile around the park. This is a come and go event, you’re free to leave whenever you would like!

Drag Trivia Night
Come on out to OAT’s first fundraising event! We’ll be hosting a Drag Trivia Night with the help of a local drag king and queen. Pay what you can at the door ($20 donation encouraged). We’ll be selling food and raffling off a hammock!