Meet Michael and Matthew! This Portland-based travel power couple has been taking the world by storm, literally. With their remarkable and insightful blog, not only are we obsessed with this incredible relationship, but also in awe of the travel destinations they visit. As a couple that met over the internet and shared their powerful LGBTQIA+ coming out experiences, they have found empowerment by traveling and documenting trips to Juneau, Alaska, Bermuda, and more! With 2020 putting a real damper on their endeavors, their abroad life came to a halt. However, now, they are back and better than ever, eager to hit the road again. Amazingly, Michael and Matthew are also advocates for LGBTQIA+ equity through their partnership with GLAAD, an organization that aims to open dialogue surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues. Jejune is excited to interview this couple! Whether you're sitting in a beach chair in the Bahamas or on the couch like the rest of us, you're not going to want to miss this insightful and positively proud interview with Matthew and Michael! Please continue reading below!

Where are you based?
Both: Portland, Oregon - USA.

When did each of you know traveling was a career path worth taking? What is your favorite part about being a Travel Content Creator?
Matthew: I actually don't think I've made the conscious decision that travel is my career path. I've always worked between two passions of mine — art and science. Even going through middle and high school, I told friends and family I wanted to be a doctor, but I knew inside that I had this passion for photography and videography. During those years, I started my YouTube channel, had several exchange students… and grew a huge curiosity for what's outside my hometown. Still, I went to undergrad for biology, and after graduating while I was applying for medical school, I decided to take a leap of faith and try my hand at photography as a career. My first job was a photography internship for a non-profit in Lima Perú. It was not an easy path. There are so many times I questioned what I was doing and felt like an imposter. I struggled, but what kept me producing was the passion to share my story. I fell in love with the idea of storytelling and the ability to connect with others online (just as we connect with others when we travel). So, to me, travel and content creation is something that's always been a part of my life.

Michael: We have always loved travel, so traveling together and documenting it came naturally. I personally didn't think of it as a career; I always saw it as a fun project. It eventually became kind of a side hustle and recently started becoming something that could hold its own as a career. Our favorite part is learning new things about a country or location and sharing it with others. Food is also top of the list!

You two have a really cute story. Can you tell us a bit about it? How did your beautiful relationship begin? Who made the first move? Was it love at first sight?
Matthew: I know we've talked about this quite a lot online already, but it was such a crazy time of our lives! Michael and I met through coming out videos on YouTube. I posted my coming out video in 2013, and 1 year later, Michael posted a video response with his coming out story. He tweeted it at me, and as soon as I started watching the video, I knew I had to talk to him. Not only did I think he was ridiculously attractive, our stories just shared a lot of similarities, and it made me so interested to know more. We Skyped that night, kept talking every day that week, and at the end of the week, he booked his flight to Seattle. Technically, Michael made the first move as he was the first one to reach out. But as soon as he did, I fell head over heels. I even randomly and suddenly just gave him my phone number and said, "hope this isn't weird!" If love at first sight really exists, then I think it was. On our third day together in Seattle, we went to a bar to meet some friends. Over a couple of beers, we whispered "I love you" to each other for the first time. It was so sudden and unexpected, but it really just felt right.

Where was the first trip you took together as a couple? Any fond memories you would like to share with us?
Matthew: The first trip we took together was a road trip! I had just moved to Nebraska to live with Michael as he started dental school in August of 2014. In October, Michael surprised me, waking me up and telling me we were going on a road trip. He wouldn't tell me where we were going, but I was ecstatic because, at this point, I had not explored any part of the middle of the country. As we were driving, he had me throw out guesses of where we might be going. Once we got out of Omaha and took the highway north towards Minnesota, I yelled out Minneapolis! It was such a spontaneous trip, and honestly, we didn't have a dollar to our name. We ate cheap, slept cheap, and drank our body weight in coffee and wine. The most memorable part was going to a Betty Who concert. Michael secretly messaged our friend Tyler Oakley to see if Jess would have us backstage. It was so random and serendipitous, two new boyfriends who met on YouTube, living in Nebraska, and taking shots of whiskey with Betty Who in Minneapolis.

Michael: We sorta "took a trip" when we met. Matthew toured me around Seattle, and it felt fun and touristy. We also did a road trip when Matthew moved to Nebraska over the course of three days. That was fun! Our first trip as a couple.

You both are known for your fun and scenic youtube channel, can you tell us a bit about the process of vlogging and your favorite part in the production of your impressive videos.
Matthew: I first started on YouTube in 2007, back in the platform's early days. At the time, video blogs were a very new and unknown thing. I remember stumbling upon the first video blog I ever watched and being amazed at the idea of normal people like me sharing whatever they wanted with an audience online. As a gay closeted man growing up in a conservative small town, this felt like a way out. YouTube was a window outside of the closet. I was able to see what others around the world were doing. I could listen to their ideas and better understand that what I was growing up with wasn't my forever. On YouTube, I could express parts of myself that I didn't feel comfortable expressing in my real life. It felt like an alternate world that I could just log on and off of. My YouTube community became some of my best friends, many I'm still close with today. My favorite part of video blogging has always been the community that develops from it, and the unique way we can express ourselves and share intimate parts of our lives. Strangely, the connections that develop are deep and personal, and I've never experienced anything quite like that in any other community I've been a part of.

Michael: My favorite part is capturing unexpected candid moments! They are my favorite to watch back and the moments I love to remember.

What is the daily life of Matthew and Michael?
Matthew: Perhaps surprisingly unremarkable! Michael works as a dentist, and I just finished nursing school. Most days we can be found between work and school. I spend a lot of time reading at our dining table or outside if it's nice out. The rest of my working hours are spent on the computer or my phone. Since most of our work is on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Michael and I spend a lot of time writing and editing. I can be found with a coffee cup in front of me and likely my dog and cat at my feet. When Michael gets off work, I'll usually either have dinner made, we'll order in, or we'll make dinner together. Then we watch our shows —the best part of the day. I love relaxing on the couch just to unwind, turning on 90 Day Fiancé, Schitts Creek, or Emily in Paris, and just spending time together. It's so funny because on Instagram, it may look like we're traveling all the time — but that's the mirage of social media; it only shows the new and exciting, the highlights of life! Most of the time, we're just at home making our way from day to day!

Michael: At the moment, Michael wakes up at 5:30 to get to work at 6:45. Matthew is up shortly after, gets his day going with emails, Instagram posts, comments, brainstorming ideas, coordinating with our management team, etc. Michael gets home around 5:45; sometimes, dinner is made, other times, we plan for takeout. Often, the night is just unwinding from the day watching reality TV and maybe a glass of wine.

As LGBTQ+ creatives, how would you like your representation and message to be perceived by your audience?
Matthew: The one thing I want people to feel when they look at our page is hope. I started posting on social media out of desperation. It was like a tiny cry for help. I was making video blogs as a 15-year-old in the closet, and I was screaming inside. I found hope online, and it's safe to say that it saved my life. I started sharing my story out of necessity as an outlet to express myself, and I've learned that our stories carry far more weight than we could have ever imagined before social media. It's insane how many moments we've had where we experience something horrible, or we feel shame, or just embarrassed — and we're afraid to share because we don't know if anyone will understand… or perhaps someone will judge us. But when we do share those moments and let people in to know what's really going on inside, it's like all the blinds get ripped off, and I hear a resounding, "Yes! Me too!" I feel so connected to those around me because of our shared experiences. Nothing gives me more hope than to see that I'm not alone, that others out there have gone through what I've gone through, and that they understand and support me. And others can see that too — I want everyone to look at the stories on our page and then look at the comments and see that they are not alone. That's hope.

Michael: As a couple who is not afraid to be themselves no matter where they are in the world.

What was your first-ever viral video? Did you think it would take off? What were your feelings?
Matthew: Oh my goodness, this is a funny one. My first viral video is one by the name of "Pirates Vs. Ninjas," and I posted it in January of 2008. The internet was a very different thing back then. I honestly did not think it would take off, but it quite literally changed my life since it did. It racked up over a million views in the first few weeks. YouTube used to have a Featured Videos column on their homepage. There, they would feature 5-10 videos a day for the whole world to see. It was kind of like winning the lottery—my Pirates Vs. Ninjas video was just a fun competition, challenging viewers to create a video response as either a pirate or a ninja. Whichever team got the most video responses would win. Collectively I received over 1,000 video responses from people over the world dressed up as pirates or ninjas. It was hilarious. I remember going to school the next day feeling like I was on cloud-9, and then suddenly, everyone in my class knew I had a YouTube channel.

Michael: I did a lip sync video before I met Matthew emulating another when Frozen first came out. My friend and I drove around and lip-synced to Frozen, it was trending at the time, and it got over a million views.

What places have you visited recently?
Matthew: We've had such an exciting year as the world has begun to open up again! Some of the highlights include Juneau, Alaska, Bermuda, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Michael: A few others, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, San Diego, East Bay, CA, and San Diego.

Do you have any favorite LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations? And Why?
Matthew: Both Michael's and my favorite destination to visit is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. With it being only a four-hour direct flight from Portland, it's so tempting to just fly down for a few days. Puerto Vallarta is an incredibly gay-friendly city. Immediately walking around the Romantic Zone, you can feel how friendly it is. People are just happy there, and there's something for everyone. There are amazing bars and clubs, crazy beach parties, and also some hidden gem beaches just down the coast. We're obsessed with the food, and there are also some great excursions to get out into the jungle, snorkeling, or boating alongside whales and dolphins. I don't know what I expected the first time going there, but I just remember my expectations being blown out of the water. It's a charming and romantic place, and honestly, just so freeing.

Michael: Puerto Vallarta and Provincetown. We regularly return to PV to get some sun in the middle of winter. It is one of our favorite places to return to. Food, activities, beaches, scenery are all amazing.

Any travel plans for the New Year? What are some upcoming destinations that we will likely view on your youtube channel in the future?
Matthew: We're actually traveling to Puerto Vallarta! We decided to start 2022 with a refresh with family. This will be my parent's first time in Mexico, and we're so excited to show them one of our favorite cities. Afterward, we're heading to Los Cabos for a very exciting Villa retreat with OutBound Travel. We don't know what to expect for the rest of the year, but we're hoping to make it to Portugal and Italy later this year. Fingers crossed!

Michael: After that, we have a potential trip to Portugal COVID-willing and, later in the year, possibly Milan for IGLTA. We have never been able to go to that conference together because of my job, but it looks like we'll be able to attend together this year!

You both often partner with GLAAD, an organization that amplifies LGBTQ+ voices and advocates for acceptance. What is GLAAD's mission? Can you please fill us in on your support for the organization whether it be through social campaigns, etc.
Glad's mission is to rewrite the script for LGBTQ+ acceptance. They're a dynamic media force that tackles tough issues and raises dialogue that ultimately leads to change. We love GLAAD because they support exactly what we support. We want to see greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ people everywhere, so we feel strongly about what GLAAD is doing worldwide. One of the great ways to raise awareness and promote acceptance of LGBTQ+ people is to show that you're an ally. On October 21st of every year, GLAAD's Spirit Day provides the opportunity to express support of LGBTQ+ people openly and proudly. Showing our support provides safe spaces for all, which is incredibly vital to the fight for equality.

What is your mission when advocating for LGBTQ+ lives?
Matthew: We need equality everywhere, and we need it now. There are still 70+ countries that criminalize homosexuality, and we need to change that. Our mission is to continue to share our stories as a gay married couple traveling the world. We know that the more we share our stories, the more we understand each other, and the more we understand each other, the more public opinion changes to a more accepting position. Every LGBTQ+ couple that is out is reflexively advocating for LGBTQ+ people. Being out and proud is a statement of acceptance and equality, and it makes it that much easier for someone else to find the strength to come out.

Michael: We have a few, I think. One, we want to be present and visible. If you feel like you are the only person you know who identifies as LGBTQ+, it is especially hard when you feel isolated. We found community online that helped us, and we want to be part of that community now. We also want to be good examples. Anyone with a platform should be aware of how they use it and its purpose. We hope ours spreads awareness, love, acceptance, and joy.

How has the pandemic affected you? Have you done less travel? How has it helped you jumpstart your transition into starting a family and owning a home?
Michael: 2020 was the driest year for travel for us by far. I mean, we did sneak two trips in January and February to Puerto Vallarta and Scotland pre-shutdown, but other than that, we were home all the time. We even skipped Thanksgiving in Oregon because it was close to our sister's due date, and we didn't go home to my family in South Dakota for Christmas like we do every year.

Matthew: 2021 really flipped a switch for us, though. We started with our now annual pilgrimage to Puerto Vallarta. We made a few local trips to Bend, Pacific City, and Eugene, OR. We flew to Salt Lake City to get our new puppy and traveled to Phoenix, Palm Springs, Minnesota, South Dakota, San Diego, the Bay Area, Bermuda, Nashville, Juneau, Sweden, Seattle, LA, and Cancun. So far, neither of us have tested positive for COVID or have had any symptoms or exposures that warranted tests outside of those needed for travel, so we feel really lucky.

Any tips for traveling during covid times?
Matthew: Everything changes week by week. One week it feels like we're finally seeing the light, the next week, we don't know when we can travel again. Travel during the pandemic has come with a whole lot more caution and needed research than what we utilized prior to the pandemic. Once we received our vaccines and the world started opening back up again, we noticed that each place has its own unique requirements, and these requirements can change overnight. It's been really important for us to stay up-to-date with news from the CDC as well as the individual travel bureaus of whatever state or country we have coming up on the itinerary. Most of the time, we've been required to receive a negative COVID test within three days prior to travel out of the country and then again within 24 hours before departing back to the US. We've also learned a lot about which type of COVID tests are required for each destination because it can make the difference whether or not you get on the plane depending on if you took the PCR, the NAT-PCR, or the Antigen test. Research on the destination is key!

Michael: Plan, plan, plan. Read and update airline guidelines, bring plenty of masks with you (and wear them!), stay rested and hydrated as best you can, and mostly just be smart about crowds. We never go onto crowded dance floors where people are maskless; we do our best to be smart about overcrowded areas like restaurants and airports. We try to do as many things outdoor as we can.

Matthew, you just graduated from nursing school, and studied in the ICU. Can you tell us a bit about this experience?
Matthew: Going through nursing school entirely during the pandemic was an insane experience. I think I can relate with many about the switch to online learning being pretty difficult. I was fortunate, though, that a lot of my training had to be done in person, and my university managed to organize small groups, lots of testing, and plenty of N95s. The learning process was chaotic, as things were constantly changing. We were told over and over again to "be flexible," and it was difficult when clinicals would get canceled, we'd get jostled around from on-campus to off-campus to back on again, and sometimes communication would break down. Despite the mess of it all, it was a great experience, and surprisingly I made some great friends even though much of our coursework was online. I feel extremely fortunate that I had something fulfilling to do during the pandemic and something to look forward to. It really carried me through. I enjoyed serving and working with others, and I really just got more and more excited about the idea of graduating and starting to work solo.

Will this new career path change your vlog's focus?
Matthew: Our YouTube channel has constantly changed with the seasons of life. From when I first started, to video blogging about college life, to meeting Michael and making it our channel (instead of just mine), to travel videos together and then stay-at-home videos during the pandemic — it's always something in the works! We plan on continuing to travel and making fun videos together, but we'll also, of course, touch on our backgrounds in medicine. It's just another aspect of our lives, so it's great to be able to include that as part of what we vlog about.

Michael: I think it will. I'm personally interested in the health and wellness space. I would love to have more time to cook and explore how to incorporate that aspect into our content. We are working on getting our life balanced out a little before we have a kid (or kids), which would certainly be a fun variable to explore. I think we're always looking to evolve and keep things feeling new.

We all can use a vacation to the Bahamas ASAP! How does travel content contribute to your mental health?
Matthew: The Pacific North West can get very cloudy during the winter, and we can go weeks at a time without seeing the sun. Sometimes just flying a bit south and getting some sun can do wonders for our mental health. Apart from that, being able to break up our routine and experience something new does wonders for my brain. The act of startling the senses awake with new smells, tastes, sights, and sounds —that's the kind of stimulation I need in order to wake my mind up and release some serotonin. It's also the perspective that we bring back with us. Going to other places and experiencing things outside our comfort zone allows us to learn a ton about what the world is really like, and growing our perspective like this helps us to see a "bigger picture" back at home. It makes a lot of the problems I experience in my day-to-day seem much smaller.

Michael: I think we're truly at our happiest. I feel energized when I get to a new destination. Especially in the winter when the weather in Portland is cloudy, anywhere with sun and decent temperatures completely lifts us up. It's therapeutic for us.

Since travel has been down, how have you two been staying sane during the pandemic?
Matthew: We've been keeping busy! We bought our first home, so many of the first months of the pandemic were consumed with packing and unpacking, decorating, and re-decorating. Of course, I had nursing school to also keep me busy, but since we weren't traveling or going out or seeing friends, we spent more time catching up on the projects we had long put off. I planted a vegetable garden for the first time and taught myself quite a few new recipes in the kitchen. We also started making TikTok videos which quickly became a hilarious hobby. I continued to go on runs outside and more frequently opted for trail runs during the pandemic.

Michael: We bought a house at the beginning of the pandemic, which kept us plenty busy. We adopted a cat and a dog who have been so fun to have and take care of. We always have something to do, accomplish, etc. Matthew makes sure of that!

What is your motto in life?
Michael: Treat others how they want to be treated. Make positive impacts on the people around you, be remembered as someone who made those around them feel good.

To keep up with Michale and Matthew please follow them via the below platforms:
Instagram: @michaelandmatt
Website: MichaelandMatt.com
Youtube: MichealandMatt
Tik Tok: @michaelandmatt1
Facebook: itsmichaelandmatt

Michael & Matthew: The International Power Couple