London’s largest LGBTQIA cycling club will be travelling hundreds of miles this Pride Month to raise money for Misfits programme
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY LDN RIDERS
Despite the current heat wave, London’s largest LGBTQIA cycling club kicked off Pride Month this year by cycling an 8+ hour 218 km loop of Greater London to raise money for the trans charity Not A Phase’s Misfits programme.
Powered by Nike, Misfits is a fitness, wellbeing and self-defence programme created by Not A Phase. Focused on confidence building, the programme aims to break down the barriers between the trans community and traditional gym spaces.
“Transgender individuals face daily battles for acceptance and safety in traditional fitness spaces, often encountering discrimination, lack of inclusivity, and the distressing reality of being denied access to basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms,” Julian Gregory, the founder of LDN RIDERS, said. “We’re therefore fundraising for Not A Phase’s Misfits. As a club, we’re also organising dedicated rides and training sessions to ensure transgender, non-binary and cisgendered female cyclists feel welcome.”
Over the course of Pride Month, the club will undertake four epic Pride Rides ranging from 218 km to 400 km. On Friday 16 June, 44 riders will take on various endurance rides from London to Paris, ending at the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The club is aiming to raise £2,000 through their Just Giving page which can be found here.
Programmes like Misfits are vital for members of the LGBTQIA community to feel safe in fitness spaces. One participant of Misfits, Lucius, said: “I’ve never been around another trans person. The first meeting at Misfits, I was so nervous, and everyone welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t thank the team enough.”
Another member, Ash, added: “Misfits is a community founded on mutual respect and care, and it helps trans people connect with others and build friendships.”
Stay hydrated LDN Riders! Say bonjour to the Eiffel Tower for us.
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Tremenda de bella Amber Whittington!!!!
Saludos desde España!!!