Happy Pride Month! Today we’re celebrating with Vance, one of our Co-leaders in NP LA. Vance is the one of two leaders to carry the queer torch in LA.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities?
Bisexual/pansexual
Who are some of the LGBTQIA2S+ athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
Honestly, none. I can’t say I have any sports idols. I love watching almost every sport, especially the Olympics, and when I hear about queer athletes it definitely resonates with me – but I’m a little bi-stracted to keep up with anything 😉
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?
Back in late winter of 2014 two friends that went to my church small group invited me to join a group called Rise and Run. I had no interest, but someone I had eyes for decided to start going and so I did too! Little did I know that pledge group that would eventually become NP LA. My friend stopped going and didn’t care to date me anyways, but I kept going and fell in love with free fitness, running and all the amazing people. The value of community that is centered around fitness health has changed my life in so many ways.
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
The time was definitely an apprehension, back in those days I regularly stayed up until 2am and didn’t normally get out of bed until 10am (ahhh being in your 20s! 😂) AND I hated running and wasn’t fit, like at all. The draw to get healthier, run just a little faster on PR days kept me coming back.
What does it mean to you to be a LGBTQIA2S+ Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
LA has had a few queer leaders over its life cycle, so it’s nice to continue carrying the torch. I think I’m the first bisexual co-lead, (not totally sure) and I want to make sure bi/pan people know they’re represented, we’re not invisible. My community knows no matter what their sexual orientation – they’re welcome.
How does being LGBTQIA2S+ influence your leadership? What was it like to be LGBTQIA2S+ in your community before you stepped into leadership?
First Q: That’s a good question…I’m not sure, I’m just me all the time and other than being sensitive to representation, I can’t say I’d lead any differently.
Second Q: NP was the first place I was able to be 100% myself. My friends at NP were the first people I ever brought a boyfriend around and that was a special moment for me. Hopefully you, reader, feel that safety in your local NP community.
Do you remember the first time you saw someone who identified the same as you in leadership (at November Project or anywhere else)? What was that feeling like?
Never really paid attention to NP global until I became a Co-leader. So I’m not sure who might have been bi/pan during my time. Throughout my life I’ve always wanted to see bi leaders or characters in popular media and these days it’s becoming more common and that makes me happy. I can point to it and say “SEEEEEEEEE I’M LIKE THAT!”
Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead? What advice would you give to another LGBTQIA2S+ person who is nervous about leading a group (at November Project or anywhere else) or coming to November Project?
I think I had imposter syndrome for the first two weeks I was leading. Something about being part of a group for so long and then suddenly leading it felt very strange.
I think if I were to give advice to a queer person who might be thinking about stepping up into leadership, just be yourself. That’s what people want. You’re just like them and at the same time couldn’t be more different, that’s a beautiful thing. Your authenticity to identity is powerful.
How do you celebrate Pride Month? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this month? How can we celebrate you all year long?
I wear my Bisexual flag out to things. It’s fun because most people don’t know we have a flag, so when asked it gives me an opportunity to educate them. Saying happy pride goes a LONG fucking way for me. Being bi often means until you’re holding another guy’s hand, people have no idea you’re not straight (I don’t wear a lot of rainbow shit). So that always makes me happy. For any month that isn’t pride month, wear an ally shirt – get creative! I donno, I’m busy! If you read this far you’ll figure it out…I know it!
What else do you want people reading this to know?
Dear reader, I know you probably know this…but just in case, being queer isn’t a choice, because if we could choose – everyone would be this awesome. Remember to preemptively love everyone you meet, whether they’re wrapped in rainbows or wearing a MAGA hat. Once you get beyond the surface, we’re all just humans that need each other. -🧡
