Brighton & Hove’s fantastic new project, Trans Can Sport, is run by two passionate sports people, Rory and Marquita. Here they give us the lowdown on the story so far, talk about the barriers faced by trans people and what to expect next! Exciting stuff.
TGC: What is Trans Can Sport and where did the idea come from?
Marquita: Trans Can Sport is a project dedicated to supporting the well being of Trans People through physical activities. Our sessions are conducted by instructors who are professionals in their field and have received trans awareness training. These sessions are open to anyone who feels their transgender identity prevents them from taking part in fitness.
Rory: The inspiration to set up the project up happened after I took on Marquita as a personal trainer. I realised the benefits of having not only someone to ensure I was on the right path to meet my goals but one who also took on board my situation as a trans person. We were doing a bit of weightlifting and boxing and I thought it would benefit other trans men, in particular.
Marquita: When Rory came to me with the idea, I was excited as I had previously attempted to host session, specifically for the trans community, but was unsuccessful in drawing in the numbers.
Rory; I think it has been helpful that we have been able to offer sessions for free.
Marquita: That's true. I do believe that this was one of barriers for individuals not attending sessions previously.
TGC: When did TCS start, how is it funded?
Trans Can Sport was launched January 2016. We initially applied for a grant from the Sussex Community Foundation and we successfully received £1500. We have also received generous donations from some of our participants. We've also received donations from the local police and just this summer grant funding from the local authority, Brighton and Hove City Council.
TGC: What sports / activities does TCS do?
Marquita: We have several different activities at the moment. Trans Can Fight teaches people boxing and kick boxing techniques to boost confidence, self defence and cardio fitness. Trans Can Lift demonstrates basic resistance exercises so that participant are able to perform them safely and efficiently. Trans Can Yoga is a fantastic way for people to get into yoga, whether they are advanced or and an absolute beginner. Trans Can Play is not an instructed session, but are group sessions at local parks where we can throw a frisbee, kick a football and other shenanigans. We are also excited that we have confirmed Trans Can Circuits and Trans Can Pilates for October 2016.
TGC: What are the barriers you think trans/gender non conforming people face when undertaking sport?
Rory: This is a big question, so I will bullet point a few that come to mind. There are by no means exhaustive:
- Gendered changing rooms/ toilets and the policing of gender in them. I’ve had experiences of being challenged in a changing room that I was entitled to use.
- Gender segregated teams or group classes - feeling like not fitting in, and even not being allowed to participate.
- Feeling intimidated by other users of facilities. Especially when one is out of shape and/or uncomfortable in fitness places, there is already a great deal of shyness and feeling not good enough. Many people feel they need to be fit before even stepping in a gym and worry about what others will think of them. Feeling your gender identity will be judged too adds to this anxiety.
- Having inappropriate and intrusive questions asked by staff and users.
- Nowhere private to get changed or shower, even if you ‘pass’ well enough to use a gendered changing room. Ways around this include coming and going from the gym in kit and showering at home. This obviously takes much more time and effort and can be embarrassing.
- Needing to wear additional clothing (which can be uncomfortable) to feel comfortable about one’s body. For example, swimming attire can be a particular barrier. Also needing to wear chest binders (which can be dangerous if worn during exercise) to present a male body for FTMs. Trans women have concerns about looking too masculine. I couldn’t swim in a public swimming pool for years due to the requirements of what to wear. It was out of the question. The only time I could swim was in the sea in the summer when I could wear baggy shorts and a t-shirt.
- Health inequalities that add an additional barrier. Trans people are more likely to suffer from a mental health issue (often as a consequence of a transphobic society) which may make it difficult to keep active. Also, medical transition can potentially require long periods of respite after surgery.
TGC: Has anyone at TCS ever shared negative experiences they've had in public activity spaces? What were they?
Marquita: During the sessions I have instructed, many people have been excited about the sessions and have been very positive. They don't tend to comment specifically about their experiences, just that they are happy and feel more comfortable in trans friendly environment.
TGC: What puts trans people off joining cis populated activity spaces?
Rory :Many people feel more comfortable being around other trans people. It's that sense of being with your own kind and not having to explain. I think for some people they get to properly relax and enjoy the space without the worry of having to defend themselves.
TGC: So how can clubs, gyms, leisure centres make their venues more trans inclusive?
Rory: I'm not sure you'll ever make everyone super comfortable, but there are some glaring issues, like changing rooms and single sex facilities. And lack of privacy in changing rooms. Or showers without space to dress in. The amount of times I've got soaked trying to get dressed in a tiny shower after working out. It's not so great.
TGC. Do you think there will always be a need for trans only activities?
Rory: I think there will always be a need for trans only activities, even if we have a completely equal and trans friendly society. Some trans people will still experience gender dysphoria, which presents its own challenges.
TGC. You've secured funding for another 12 months so TCS is clearly successful. Tell us some of the feedback and positive change you've been part of.
Rory: We’ve not faced any difficulties as yet. The way we run means we only work with people we can trust and understand the ethos of the project. We work with local trainers and small businesses so there is an incentive for them to get it right as they might benefit from continuing custom. Also small businesses tend to meet our needs better by having smaller and private premises, rather than larger ones that would need to be shared with the general public. We also give one-on-one trans awareness training to our trainers and feed back to them in a constructive way about what language works or what activities might cause problems for some participants.
Our participants have also given us great reviews and positive feed back. (See below)
"I'm so grateful for this vital resource. Trans Can sessions are run by brilliant professional trainers who are passionate about their participant's well being and personal goals. Every session I've attended has been a mini revelation, I've learned new skills, and I have felt completely safe and able to relax. As well as staying fit, it's important to get out and mix with other like-minded individuals and I've enjoyed meeting other people, especially as I've just moved to Brighton. Thank you Trans Can Sport, for making all this possible.
"I attended the Trans Can Lift session last night and was really impressed! The instructor took time to speak to me about my own goals, physical limitations and history, and incorporated these in everything we did, which was a relief for anyone looking at starting off slowly. I was encouraged to take everything at my own pace and as well as being challenged, I felt properly supported and encouraged. It was in a very safe and private space which also put me at ease. I will definitely be attending the other sessions where I can, and would encourage anyone thinking about it or hesitating to give it a shot!"
"Trans Can Yoga has been amazing I have made new connections with other trans people and been able to explore Yoga in a totally accepting group and on top of that I a learning confidence in my body. This has become such a lovely part of my transition journey and something to look forward to when things get too much for me."
TGC: What's your advice for trans people who want to take up exercise or activity but have fears about it?
Rory: Do whatever makes you feel good. Don’t push yourself to do something you hate, but give new things a go when opportunities arise. Be realistic with your goals and how you will achieve them. Don’t judge yourself by others standards.
Marquita: Also don't think you need a gym to get fit. You can workout at home or at a park if you feel more comfortable in that environment. Have specific goals in mind and work from there. Consistency is the key when it come to hitting your target.
TGC. Do you think it's possible for a TCS project to get underway in other cities?
Marquita: As an idea yes absolutely. I think it would be wonderful if there were similar projects throughout the country. That is something we would be happy to support and advise on. We run Trans Can Sport on a specific agenda and ethos and we are still a little bit down the road from launching in other areas.
Rory: yes, I think so. Like Marquita says, we're still early days with what we're achieving in Brighton, but I'd love to see the project elsewhere. There are pots of money to be found and only a little bit is needed to go a long way. It might be more of a challenge to get the footfall in smaller trans communities, but it's still worth doing. I grew up in the country and there was nothing for LGBT people, let alone trans folk. There's a lot of work to be done.
TGC: Thanks for a great interview and taking the time talk to us! All the best for the project and keep in touch, we’d love an update :)
