Trans Can Sport is a not-for-profit, community interest company based in Brighton & Hove. Founded in 2015, we created it to support trans people to get into exercise and healthy living. Our main aim is to help anyone who feels their transgender identity makes participating in sport difficult. This may include people who are trans, non-binary, QTIPOC, queer and/or intersex, questioning or exploring their gender or anyone who feels their gender expression has been a barrier to participating in sports and fitness. We also welcome their friends, families and allies.

 

Trans people want to engage in activities, both sporting and social, like everyone else. Trans Can Sport was formed to provide a safe space to allow these things to happen in a supportive, friendly and non-competitive environment.

 

We want to resolve and avoid some of the barriers that stop trans and gender diverse people accessing sport, like gendered sports and changing facilities. Sometimes, the tricky navigation of a gendered changing facility is enough to stop trans people from accessing a particular sport or activity. Trans people often avoid gendered sports altogether, because they may not be accommodating or welcoming of diversity.

 

We work with local fitness professionals and organisations to provide free or low-cost sports sessions, and make sure our trainers have a thorough understanding of how gender may affect their discipline. Further than ensuring the correct use of names and pronoun preferences, we also consider how gender can creep in elsewhere. Our trainers will always communicate about bodies and movement in a non-gendered way.

 

Trans Can Sport creates a safe space for trans people to use freely, and provides a supportive environment that allows people to connect with their bodies in a positive way. In the words of one of our participants: “I no longer feel alone and don't have to worry about being self-conscious in front of people who don't understand why I might look different. I'm looking forward to taking part in as many of the future activities as I can”.

To find out more you can email Marquita and Rory at transcansport@gmail.com