Portland Monthly magazine has the story of a new riding club in Portland: Transgender Riders United.
Here their lede:
When Quinn Lindstrom moved to Portland six months ago, she quickly fell in love with cycling, and began to seek out a group that shared her passion. But although there are more than 10 bike clubs within the city and countless others around Oregon, Lindstrom, a transgender woman, struggled to find one that felt like a good fit. She eventually decided to start her own group, Transgender Riders United (TRU), where trans folk of all genders could cycle together without judgment.
The article has a Q & A with Lindstrom that includes how the group was supported from the get-go by Gladys Bikes owner Leah Benson. The group’s first ride was earlier this month.
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Here’s the group’s description on Facebook:
Welcome to the official TRU (Transgender Riders United) Facebook group! Based in Portland, OR, this is a group for any and all under the “transgender” terminology umbrella to congregate, share, and cultivate their passion for cycling. While allies are welcome in this space, this is primarily a safe space, built by, and for, transgender folk in the Portland area.
— Jonathan Maus, (503) 706-8804 – jonathan@bikeportland.org
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So happy for this. Leah (and team) have made Gladys a place that is welcoming to all. If you think it is hard enough to ask some salesdude about the best saddle that doesn’t pinch your labia, it’s likely to be far worse for trans. From the city that figures out how Molly Cameron can compete, this fits right in.
If you know a person who is trans, whether they bike or not, point them at this.
Wait – how did the city figure it out? It was my understanding that USA Cycling reversed their decision. I don’t believe the city of Portland did anything for Molly.
I meant “us” as the city. In this case it’s OBRA- and everyone who races with Molly.
Making self-segregation cool again.
“Making self-segregation cool again.”
I think that using a loaded term like “segregation” to describe a group of people voluntarily coming together for fun and support is not cool.
I’m curious what was so horrible about all the existing cycling clubs.
Curious. Are there other cycling clubs that actively and specifically invite the trans community to get involved?
Straight white guy here. I’ve ridden with a bunch of cis straight white guys in all of the groups I’ve ridden with. I don’t think I would feel as comfortable if I were trans, or a person of color, or a woman in those groups. Do you really not get it, or are you trolling?
There are unfortunately always trolls whenever articles like these are posted.
do they have to? there are several clubs who invite anyone who wants to show up…I don’t believe they check your gender before “letting” you ride with them. Portland Velo is one such group.
Why does this threaten you?
What is loaded to you is not loaded to others.
Was it an inaccurate usage of the term?