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 Lane (he/him) – a community member who wakes up and decides to #JustShowUp to NP Austin and delights in post workout coffee and bringing his full self to the workouts.
- Name
Lane Rosa
- Pronouns
he/him
- NP Home City
Austin, TX
- Have you #traverbaled to any other NP cities?
So far just Portland, OR but planning on hitting Denver and Oakland this summer!
- What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities?
I identify as a trans guy, and a member of the queer community.
- Who are some of the transgender athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
Running isn’t my top sport, but I’ll shout out Chris Mosier, the first trans man to make a US national team (sprint duathlon). As a longtime climber, I’m an admirer of Cat Runner (transmasculine climber and winner of HBO’s The Climb competition) and “Pattiegonia”, a drag queen with a focus on environmental activism. And Alex Tilinca, trans male pro bodybuilder, has been a major physique inspiration.
- 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 first showed up with my girlfriend, Ella, to a Labor Day pop-up workout in 2022. I had just healed from my top surgery and was feeling a renewed sense of confidence and comfort with my body, so I set off in the pursuit of activities and friends that aligned with my newfound excitement for exercising in a group setting. A close college friend was always posting about this fitness group called November Project, so I followed the Instagram page for my local chapter. When I saw that the Labor Day workout post specifically mentioned getting coffee afterwards I decided it was time to check this thing out. Imagine my delight when I realized post-NP coffee is a regular occurrence!
- What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
NP was the first community I joined post-transition, introducing myself for the first time using my current name and pronouns. Initially, I contemplated being “stealth” and feeling out the group dynamic before sharing that I was trans. But the hot, humid weather and the transmasculine urge to exercise shirtless were a killer combination, and I realized I didn’t want to hide my scars or the stories they tell. I definitely haven’t regretted that. My first impression was amazing – I met awesome members and had so many great conversations! I couldn’t wait for the next workout after that.
- What does it mean to you to be transgender? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
Being transgender isn’t a choice, but being out and proud is. We live in Texas, where it’s scary to watch legislators try to dismantle our civil rights while we’re just trying to live ordinary lives. There’s a sense of solidarity, but also solitude — I don’t actually know very many other trans people in real life. It’s as important as it’s ever been for the queer and trans community to flourish and forge relationships with each other and with our allies.
- 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?
I haven’t faced any issues at NP with folks respecting my name and pronouns. I’ll shout out a few subtle indicators that suggest NP is a safe space as a trans person: the Instagram profile picture for NP ATX has a rainbow circle, and our new visitor welcome ritual includes an optional pronoun mention. These things might seem inconsequential or easy to overlook if you’re not queer or trans, but I definitely pick up on them.
- How does being trans influence your movement/running? Did you transition while you were coming to NP? If so, what was that like?
Transitioning fundamentally changed my relationship with exercise and movement in a way that’s difficult to describe to someone who hasn’t undergone the same experience. HRT and top surgery unlocked a new world where instead of constantly wanting to shrink away and hide my body, I want to be seen. I’m proud to take up space, and I’m making huge gains as a result.
- 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 personally, the most welcoming thing the average person can do is treat me no differently than you’d treat someone else who just showed up to NP. As a bonus, choosing to include your pronouns when you introduce yourself is one above-and-beyond way to project that you’re ready to hear and accept people’s identities.
- The state of the country is…oof when it comes to legislation on transgender citizens. How can cisgender allies show up for you outside of workouts to make you feel supported and safe?
The best thing you can do to support your queer and trans friends is to vote in every election that you are eligible for. Take opportunities to contact local representatives or donate to organizations like the ACLU when you’re able to. Keep in mind that while cisgender and heterosexual people can choose when to engage and disengage with these “political” topics, trans people can’t escape being affected by the constant barrage of headlines. You might be scrolling Instagram and see a photo of your friend getting drinks, then a funny meme, then a story about one of the wealthiest people in the world suggesting that you’re a predator. It’s jarring.
- 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? What else do you want people reading this to know?
On Trans Day of Visibility, I’ll take a moment to feel gratitude for how far I’ve come in the past several years since my transition. I’ll reflect on how my childhood self would have felt knowing how bright the future would one day become. At the same time, there are struggles that remain: many of us have loved ones who won’t use our preferred name or pronouns, or think being transgender is a mental illness or an indication of a moral failure. I’ll be forever grateful to NP for providing a space where I can escape from those struggles and feel completely like myself. Fitness brings people together in a wonderful way.
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