TDoV: Jody in Scioto Mile

November Project is a community where everyone is invited to #JustShowUp and Come As You Are – something we value so much, it’s our first Community Agreement. Today, on International Transgender Day of Visibility, we are excited to celebrate some of our transgender Co-leaders and community members. 

Here, we hear from Jody (she/her) – a community member who wakes up and decides to #JustShowUp to NP Scioto Mile for the welcoming atmosphere with a group of folks who knows how to have fun.

• Name

Jody Davis

• Pronouns

She/Her

• NP Home City

Scioto Mile, Ohio

• Have you #traverbaled to any other NP cities?

Nope

• What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities?

Transgender female, or just plan “female”

• Who are some of the transgender athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?

There aren’t that many! Swimmer Lia Thomas, Basketball Kyle Allums, Quinn in Soccer.

• When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?

I saw a social media post about a year ago, one of my LGBTQ OUTrunner friends Jessie here in Columbus was at the November project workout. And I was like, “what is that”? So I showed up. Besides running and training for marathons, I wasn’t doing any “curcuit” training. And this is a fun group.

• What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?

I was nervous at first, and I’m on the older side age wise. But people asked about my pronouns and made me feel welcome. It’s a fun group, even if I have to get up at 4:30am to get to downtown Cbus by the 5:14 workout.

• What does it mean to you to be transgender? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community? 

Geesh, not easy to answer. Trans people are everywhere, maybe you just don’t know it. We are doing our best to be our true selves and be accepted by family, friends and the community as who we are.

• How has your NP community made you feel affirmed in your identity? What more could they do to make you feel affirmed in your identity?

The local leaders Jake and Pavan and Caitlin and the whole group are very friendly. If I don’t show up, they message me and ask if I’m ok.  I appreciate that!

• How does being trans influence your movement/running? Did you transition while you were coming to NP? If so, what was that like?

My thing about running is when I was back in the military, when I ran my first marathon and all that, I had a penis and more importantly I had testosterone. Trying to get back to my former pace, after years now of no testosterone, with weight gain and less energy is not easy. It can be demoralizing that I needed to have bottom surgery to be myself, but now have extra challenges trying to do well on long runs. But in the last few years I’ve shed 30 pounds and run weekly with a Fleet Feet group. And just a few months ago ran a half marathon at my fastest time ever!

• Do you have any advice for cisgender NP members on creating a welcoming environment for transgender NP members? What is something that an ally has done to make you feel included and welcomed that has stuck with you?

For me, the most important thing I struggle with is self acceptance. I don’t have the same body as pretty much any of the girls there. My voice is deeper, etc.  It is very easy for me to get down on myself. But this group makes me feel welcome and we have fun! If I keep negative self-talk in check, I can be me and have fun and it’s ok!

• How do you celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?

Realize there is no “gay agenda” that’s anything different than all the hopes and dreams you want for your own family. Just let us have the same rights you don’t even know you have.

• What else do you want people reading this to know?

NP has been great for me, when I go! Starting the day off with fun chants and silly burnouts is fun! Keeps a smile on my face all day 🙂

Share via socials: