TRANS CAN SPORT

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/TRANSCANSPORT/ different path, try another gym or yoga studio. Do little and often

It’s said that it takes only a few weeks to form a new habit. Consistency is key here. Set goals that are achievable, and you’ll most likely meet them. Instead of thinking it’s marathon or nothing, break it down into chunks. “Exercise has so many benefits, and enjoyment is one of them. If it’s not making you feel good, then try something else.”

In its 6th birthday year, the Trans Can Sport team, who are dedicated to transforming the wellbeing of trans people through physical activity, share top tips to get and stay active

) Since 2016, Trans Can Sport (TCS) has been providing activities to trans and non-binary people in Brighton & Hove, and since 2020 going online has meant people from further afield have been able to take part. TCS has been awarded funding from the National Lottery’s Awards for all 2022 activities, which will help the organisation continue to deliver free and low-cost activities to participants. Services are designed first and foremost for trans and non-binary people but they welcome anyone whose gender identity prevents them from taking part in sports, or who feel they would benefit from joining in. Many activities also welcome friends and partners, but TNB people are always prioritised. Motivation

It’s the time of year many people say they’re going to start a healthier lifestyle. But why do you want to do this? Is it to feel better, to make friends, to feel more fit? Knowing why you’re doing something, what changes you want to make and what benefits they will bring, will help you stay focussed and motivated. Make it easy on yourself. Find a group or gym that’s close to home or your workplace. Schedule in your workouts, like you would a work meeting or social engagement. These small things can really help. Do something you love It’s surprising how many people torture themselves by doing activities they think they should be doing rather than what they want to be doing. Running a 5k at the crack of dawn is great, if you like that kind of thing, but that doesn’t mean it will suit everyone. Find an activity that makes you want to do it again, and again. There’s so many options and they needn’t cost a lot of money. Exercise has so many benefits, and enjoyment is one of them. If it’s not making you feel good, then try something else.

Add variety Try something new. Perhaps something you never thought you would be interested in. You won’t know until you try it. TCS provides lots of taster sessions which many of our participants have gone to develop and love. Vary your locations. Run a different route, cycle a Celebrate your successes, no matter how small you think they are. Keep track of your achievements. They’ll help you feel better on blue days and over time you will be able to see your development. Learn to rest

This might seem counter intuitive as a tip for getting active, but it’s important. Our bodies need time to repair and recover after exercise, no matter your level. Start off any new activity gently, including if you’re restarting after a bit of time off, and build yourself up. Rest doesn’t mean doing nothing. Active recovery is beneficial and includes taking a walk or gentle stretching. Find a buddy A lot of people find motivation and enjoyment when they can share their active time with someone else. They can also help with accountability. That could be a mate who spots you in the gym or being part of a sports group. If you prefer to do things on your own, you can still link up with others in social and tracking apps like Strava. Don’t Rush It

Physical changes don’t happen overnight. It takes time, practice and consistency to improve your skills and fitness. Many people experience an immediate buzz from exercise, but long-term regular exercise can have a long-term beneficial impact on your mental health. D To find out what activities are coming up and to take part, visit:

www.transcansport.co.uk

i www.instagram.com/transcansport//

GET RUNNING FOR THE SUSSEX BEACON

Get your running shoes on for the Sussex Beacon at the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday, February 27

) Running is good for us; running for charity is even better! The Brighton Half Marathon is one of the biggest events in the city’s calendar and the Sussex Beacon want YOU to join them as an exclusive runner and fundraiser for #TeamBeacon on Sunday, February 27! Each year the Brighton Half Marathon raises vital funds, ensuring we can continue to support people living with HIV in Sussex. Join us in 2022 for our 30th birthday and help us raise the most money yet! Our runners

Our runners have helped us since the race was founded, raising funds and representing people living with HIV at one of Brighton & Hove’s biggest events. In 2021, #TeamBeacon helped us to raise an incredible record amount of £50,000, the most the half marathon has raised yet. By joining our team, you could help the Sussex Beacon raise even more for our 30th Birthday.

Our celebrity runner this year is Zoe Lyons, a comedian known for her appearances on Survivor and Mock The Week.

Our race sponsors We are delighted to announce that sponsoring #TeamBeacon this year will be the Sussex Freemasons.

The Sussex Freemasons have been long-term supporters of the Sussex Beacon and we are extremely thankful for their continued assistance and sponsorship. In addition we would like to thank long term friend of the Sussex Beacon Andrew Buchan of Glencairn Consulting Limited. Andrew has been a continuous backer of #TeamBeacon. We would not be where we are now without that support and we are forever grateful for his support over many years. Why be part of #TeamBeacon? • Meet family and friends before and after the race with exclusive access to the Sussex Beacon Marquee • Refreshments, hot food, and toilets only for our runners

• Exclusive family cheering point • Team Beacon technical running vest • Team Beacon medal (in addition to race finisher’s medal) • Team Beacon members only Facebook group for news, tips and motivation • Support and advice from our challenge events fundraiser to help you smash your target. • A reason to keep going! Knowing that you are helping improve the lives of local people living with HIV in Sussex.

Tom Oakden has brought a group of runners to Team Beacon for the last five years, and here’s why: “I decided to run for the Sussex Beacon as have some friends who have been served so excellently by you. To be available 365 days of the year, helping serve people in real need, I find it a privilege to be fundraising to support that, for our city. “Sponsorship is so much more than raising money. There’s much opportunity to bring awareness that the Beacon is simply there, what you do, your history, and the reality of the needs that you serve. So many people seem to have an affection to the Sussex Beacon, a lot from personal association which is a brilliant encouragement.” How to join Team Beacon You can enter the 2022 race on 27th February by visiting: https://brighton-half.eventize.

co.uk/e/2022-brighton-half-marathon-6930

Resources & Help Visit our #TeamBeacon page on our website which includes: fundraising and JustGiving tips and guidance, a printable sponsorship form, a fundraising planner, and a competition sheet. Once you have signed up to the race, set up your personalised JustGiving page in just a few simple steps so you can start fundraising! Any questions? Call us on 01273 034800. D For more info on the Sussex Beacon, visit:

www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

BRIGHTON BUDDHIST CENTRE

Jaq Bayles talks to Amalabandhu, who runs the Brighton Buddhist Centre’s Gender & Sexual Diversity Group

) Earlier this year,

Brighton Buddhist

Centre set up a

Gender & Sexual Diversity Group

(GSDG), aimed at “LGBTQ+ people new to meditation and those with an established

meditation practice”. The group came on the back of an existing GBTQ+ Group for men, which was previously led by Amalabandhu, who now works with the new group. He explains the evolution of the two. “The GBT Group started because, as a gay man and having friends, it was an opportunity to meet at the Buddhist Centre and practice together and talk about Buddhism and create a safe space to do that. “As time went by, I was noticing that some people were saying that’s quite binary and how about doing something more inclusive. About a year ago I was having coffee with a friend who is more gender fluid, non-binary identifying, and I said ‘how about we start a new group?’, which we did in February of this year, acknowledging that the other group was binary and we needed something more inclusive.” While there is nothing in the teachings of the Buddha that “segregates or discriminates or would indicate that people were not welcome, so as a path and spiritual practice it is absolutely inclusive”, Amalabandhu recognises that not everybody necessarily knows that. So the point of the groups was to invite people in so they could then experience the wider Buddhist community. GSDG was initially run as on online meeting due to the pandemic, and now meets both in person at the Centre in Tichborne Street and online. Since its February inception around 85 people have joined the mailing list. And Amalabandhu says he has personally learned a lot from the group. “One of the things I’ve noticed and really appreciated is that it tends to be a younger population that are drawn to it, possibly because the language has changed. “Younger people are using language that’s evolving. For example, my generation struggled with the word ‘queer’ and now that’s something that people are using, and I’ve become more comfortable with it and quite enjoy it as a term because it feels like it’s all-embracing. I’m learning a lot [from the group]. I’m learning a lot about people, about differences and diversity. It’s lovely to meet amazing people. Ever since we stated the group, for the first few months we introduced people [as they joined] and they told their life stories, what they’d been through to get to that point, and it’s very moving to be able to tell those life stories and be heard by people who are very receptive and appreciate that safe space.” There has been much talk of the effects the pandemic has had on people’s mental and physical health, so was there a correlation between that and the interest in meditation?

Amalabandhu says: “The pandemic has had an impact for us in different ways and I think one of those has been to look at what’s out there in terms of what supports people’s wellbeing. “It can be that people are interested in Buddhist meditation from a secular perspective. They know that mindfulness practice and meditation have a positive effect on mental health, and it can be that people have a curiosity about Buddhism that maybe has been sitting with them for some time but the pandemic has brought things forward. “People are seeking things out because they may be struggling with their mental health, or they want connection and these meetings are very much about enabling people to have connection and support when they might feel quite isolated and disconnected from a spiritual community or like-minded people.” As to what benefits Buddhist meditation can offer, it is calming and develops awareness of mindfulness, which Amalabandhu says has positive effects on both cognitive and physical wellbeing, as ”mindfulness is very much related to physical health”. Alongside meditation classes, the Brighton Buddhist Centre offers a range of related services, such as yoga and study groups. The Brighton Buddhist Centre is part of the Triratna Buddhist community, which was started in the UK in 1967 but draws from different and ancient traditions.

Amalabandhu explains: “Our practice is very much focused on the altruistic – transforming self and the world. It’s about our own evolution and transformation but also about supporting the world around us. We are not monastic, we are ordained but we are in the world, in the community. We have regular jobs, regular families, regular lifestyles.” D For more information, visit:

www.brightonbuddhistcentre.co.uk