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The fitness industry is extremely gendered. Unpleasant non-inclusive experiences are the current norm for gender nonconforming (GNC) folks and those whose gender isn’t part of the gender binary equation that is most prevalent in our society.
Too often companies promote their inclusivity while actually practicing exclusivity. Saying you support the 2SLGBTQ+ community is meaningless if you don’t demonstrate that solidarity through your actions. To be inclusive you must consciously create new spaces that acknowledge and are safe for everyone!
A simple place to start is to educate yourself about common misconceptions that lead to discrimination in the fitness world. These misconceptions include but aren’t limited to:
a) the idea that trans* people are “confused” (trans* used here as an umbrella term to mean non-cisgendered). This belief can lead to cisgender people disregarding and disrespecting a trans* individual’s identity.
b) The idea you can tell someone is trans* just by looking at them. This implies that trans* folk don’t/can’t look like our gendered societal norms and ideals, which in turn diminishes trans* people’s personhood and makes them feel ‘less than’. It also disregards cisgender GNC (gender nonconforming) people who tend to be misgendered as well.
Here are some examples of actions you can put into practice:
Instead of providing only two gender options, provide a blank space for gender on your intake form that new and prospective clients can fill out themselves.
Include your pronouns when introducing yourself! It takes a split second, but the effect can last a lifetime. This allows people to tell you their pronouns as well as learn yours without guessing or assuming. It’s important to remember here that a person’s pronouns aren’t indicative of their gender.
On the same note, use gender-neutral language when you’re speaking to a group or when you’re unaware of a person’s preferred pronouns or gender. This is another action that takes zero time to implement.
Don’t speak over 2SLGBTQ+ voices. Listen, digest, then act. This also goes for any marginalized voice.
You will have to think about these actions more consciously at first, but eventually they will become second nature. But, don’t just stop there!
Ask yourself, can we have gender neutral change rooms and/or washrooms? If you share facilities with other businesses in your building this may not be possible. However, it doesn’t hurt to look into it, and acknowledge it with your clients.
If a client or potential client uses a chest binder, or is on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), do some research so that your actions, programs, and resources aren’t detrimental and instead benefit their health and wellbeing.
Chest binding for prolonged periods of time, for example, can result in swelling, infection, tenderness, shortness of breath, and chest, shoulder, back, or abdominal pain. Keep these side effects in mind when you create programs for clients who bind. An open dialogue will help you deliver the best outcome for such a client.
Also, be aware that some clients use HRT for gender affirmation while others use it to increase muscle mass or performance. In either case it’s important to understand that HRT affects everyone differently. If your client is looking to lose weight, make sure your client is aware that a possible side effect of HRT is weight gain!
When providing resources to your clients, make sure they’re trans*-friendly, including the wellness businesses you partner with!
If you notice your gym has binary change rooms and bathrooms, or only two genders are listed on their intake form, or you overhear an employee or fellow patron say something queer-phobic, use your voice. Bring attention to the issue. If it’s not properly resolved, find a new gym. Let the owners and the public know your reason for leaving.
It starts with you!
You won’t be an expert overnight. In fact, being the “expert” shouldn’t be your goal.
Instead, all of us must educate ourselves and reevaluate our thoughts and actions in a continuous and purposeful way. It’s going to be uncomfortable! There will be times when you make mistakes and that’s okay. Learning from those mistakes is the key to improving the fitness community for everyone!
If you’re looking for a welcoming, safe, body positive fitness space, we hope you’ll consider Iron Lion Training. We rock all kinds, and we’re nice to everyone. See you soon!
