The journey is not alone a pastime for Michael Lindsay and Matthew Schueller, it’s also a cornerstone of their relationship and, as it turns out, a fruitful side hustle.
Lindsay, 33, and Schueller, 30, are co-founders of the popular LGBTQ travel blog Michael & Matt, where they share quirky and insightful views on their globetrotting adventures, as seen from the perspective of a same-sex couple.
The Portland, Oregon-based duo have also amassed a devoted following on Instagram and TikTok, among other social media platforms, all of which they hope will provide a collective platform for LGBTQ youth to not only feel seen. , but also to be encouraged to start excursions. theirs.
“I think being visible online was so important for us to see ourselves reflected,” Lindsay, a dentist, told HuffPost. “That’s why we do what we do because there’s a need for it.”
The couple began their years-long journey to marriage in 2014 when they met in Seattle after striking up a thoughtful (and flirtatious) rapport online.
At the time of that personal meeting, Schueller was a physiology student at Seattle Pacific University while Lindsay was studying dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska. After Schueller shared his coming out story on YouTube, Lindsay filmed a video in response in which he also opened up about his experience coming to terms with his true self as a gay man.
Watch a clip from Lindsay and Schueller’s 2018 wedding below.
The two men soon began corresponding regularly, and soon Lindsay was saving up for a plane ticket to Seattle, where a full-fledged romance blossomed. Soon after, they started sharing their love story in joint social media posts and in 2018 they got married.
That same year, Michael & Matt made its official debut, aiming to provide thoughtful advice for LGBTQ travelers filled with heart and humor. It has since grown to include anecdotes about their experiences with new home ownership and, if all goes according to plan, future parenthood.
As their family grows and they continue to settle into home life, Lindsay and Schueller say they will look for new and creative ways to continue their travels. No doubt audiences will remain eager to pursue virtual escapades to exotic locations, especially as real-life travel continues to present other challenges.
“The way I see it, our relationship started with the trip, because Michael traveled to Seattle to see me,” said Schueller, now a registered nurse. “Our first fundamental experiences together were based on travel. I think travel will always be a major part of our platform.”
Added Lindsay: “The strange and ever-evolving political climate affects us all in different ways. But if we continue to share our lives online — especially while we’re trying to raise children — more people will understand the things that we and the rest of the LGBTQ community go through.”
With the summer of 2022 in full swing, HuffPost asked Lindsay and Schueller for their top recommendations for off-the-radar destinations that are safe and inclusive for LGBTQ travelers.
Here’s what they had to say:
Kansas City, Missouri
Matthew Schueller
“A relaxed atmosphere, incredible food, fantastic nightlife and one of the finest shopping areas in the country make this city a great fit for any tourist. Spend a day on the square, grab a drink at Missie B’s, then head to the Power and Light District for great music, dancing, or both!”
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Alexander Quesada
“Located directly between Cancun and Tulum, Playa del Carmen has a downtown nightlife complete with gay-friendly bars and clubs, as well as pristine stretches of beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect home base for anyone who is interested in going out on awesome cenotes or Mayan ruins in the area.”
New Orleans
Harper Bokum-Fauth
“We were particularly drawn to tight-knit neighborhoods with bars and restaurants interspersed between blocks, colorful houses amidst lots of street art, and outdoor spaces that offered cool airy spaces to mingle. If you find yourself looking for a night out, make your way to the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann, as you’ll be sure to find a show.”
Berkeley, California
Matthew Schueller
“Boasting a host of gay-owned businesses, exploring the Wine Block was a big surprise—we had no idea that an entire part of town was filled with wineries, tasting rooms, and outdoor patios. Explore the University of California, the Berkeley Botanical Gardens, stroll down University Street, or find yourself traveling to wine country just an hour north.”
Bend, Oregon
Daniel Hoops
“Bend is home to the Pacific Northwest Ski Weekend and the Winter Pride Festival. In the summer, it’s perfect for accessing great mountain hiking trails, biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Explore the gastropubs, gay-friendly breweries and bars in downtown and the Old Mill District.”
