BRIGHTON & HOVE WOMEN'S RUNNING CLUB
20 Scene 24 Gscene
group activities when lockdown regulations are lifted, ranging from outdoor strength and conditioning classes, to beginners’ groups and a buddy scheme to help people find plus one partners for running. The group prides itself on being a space for all self-identifying women, with Helena and club chair, Imogen Wallace, saying the club will continue to provide a safe space during the pandemic: “Overall, this period has reinforced to members how crucial running is to mental and physical wellbeing and we will continue to strive to be an inclusive club which encourages all women to start running.”
Activity for All
Rachel Badham talks to Brighton & Hove’s outdoor organisations about sporting inclusivity and staying active during the pandemic ) Organisations which provide outdoor
activities, ranging from team sports such as football to group walks and runs, are integral to Brighton & Hove’s community. While coronavirus has severely limited our ability to interact with one another and do social activities, it has also encouraged many to explore the great outdoors and incorporate more exercise into their daily routine. More than ever, people are trying to get active and are taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing. However, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to feel discouraged from joining outdoor groups than their cis-het counterparts, as prejudice continues to be all too common in the sporting world. A 2019 study by Outsport found 16% of LGBTQ+ respondents had negative experiences in sporting groups, with an even greater number of trans people reporting harassment. The majority of the victims said the abuse came from their own team members or other group participants. LGBTQ+ people may feel excluded from outdoor spaces in general as, historically, they have experienced disparities between their
) Another local running club, designed with
private and public life due to being unable to live openly. A new project, the LGBTQ+ Outdoor Equality Index, aims to increase data surrounding the outdoor experience of queer people. It said: “LGBTQ+ people lack representation, access, safety, opportunity, and overall visibility in the outdoors and in most diversity initiatives.” As LGBTQ+ people may struggle to participate in group activities, a handful of our city’s most inclusive sporting groups spoke to Scene about how they’ve been encouraging all members to stay active during these trying times. ) Helena Warburton, secretary of Brighton &
Hove Women’s Running Club, said although the pandemic hindered group activity, the organisation is continuing to support women in the area by creating online networks and promoting the mental health benefits of exercise: “We’ve been encouraging daily dancing by posting dance tracks, and checkingin individually with vulnerable members. Our online network has been a place for members to get encouragement from others on days when staying active is proving challenging.” The club is also able to offer socially distanced
LGBTQ+ people in mind is Brighton & Hove Frontrunners, which was established in 2018. Club marketing officer James Barron said the club’s aim is to be as inclusive as possible, and create a space “where everyone can feel comfortable to be who they are without judgement”. Despite the pandemic, Frontrunners has continued to help its members stay active: “We’ve run online Zoom fitness classes, and we have a very lively WhatsApp group so used this to check in with each other. We even did an 18-hour continuous virtual relay around Brighton & Hove.” James pointed out that LGBTQ+ people often feel marginalised from sports, saying: “Queer people often feel apprehensive, nervous or hesitant about partaking in sport – perhaps due to bad experiences in the past, or negative memories of PE lessons in school, or even just not knowing where to find specific LGBTQ+ sports groups.”
FRONTRUNNERS
However, Frontrunners wants to help LGBTQ+ people reap the physical and mental benefits of running, as well as create a sense of community. James says that everyone is welcome at the club, and once lockdown restrictions are eased, running is due to recommence: “We are hoping to be able to resume our weekly Wednesday Club Runs, Saturday Park Runs and social events as soon as we possibly can. We are optimistic about the coming year and many of us have already signed up for lots of races. We’ve also got some exciting plans for some additional sessions so watch this space!” ) For those who are wanting more gentle
exercise, Brighton & Hove Healthwalks, which is part of the city’s Healthy Lifestyle programme, could be the perfect option. Shanni Collins, walk leader, said Healthwalks is great for beginners, and despite lockdown ceasing group activity, members have continued to participate in individual walking challenges: “Our walks are led by volunteer leaders and have a focus on socialising and getting some
