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.
Mar (he/him), is a trans Co-leader at the original NP city, Boston…or as Mar says, “Boston, baby!” and it’s no wonder why he’s in the middle of the bounce – community building is at the core of his identity.
- Name
Mar Barrera
- Pronouns
he/him
- NP City you lead in
Boston baby!
- What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities
brother, son, athlete, runner, friend, researcher, learner, community builder, colleague, mentor/mentee, advocate
- Who are some of the transgender athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
I remember first learning about Chris Mosier and slowly realizing that it was possible for me to transition and compete, before learning about him I assumed there were no transgender men at the elite sporting level.
- 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?
My rowing teammates in college dragged me to hills one friday! I loved how goofy everyone was and the balance of kindness/intensity was exactly what I was looking for.
- 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 too tired for concrete apprehension lol, but the energy was just infectious and I remember immediately following the fb/insta pages, and looking up where the next workout would be. I like the person I am when I am with my NP friends!
- What does it mean to you to be a transgender Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
Hmm this is an interesting one, because I think in an ideal world I wouldn’t be as vocal/open about my transitioning history. Oftentimes people view me as less of a man when they find out I am transgender, but I think in the current political moment the importance of visibility trumps any personal preference I might have. I think part of the beauty of being a trans Co-leader is that 99% of the time it’s not relevant, like I am not some glorious symbol of representation, I am just the guy yelling at you to do burpees! I think there is something special about the combination of seeing me not just as a multidimensional person but also in a leadership position, especially for the many parents/guardians of trans youth in Boston NP. Many parents are rightfully scared when their kid comes out b/c they have no reference point for what a great life it can be, all they see are scary stats and a complete absence of transgender adults.
- How does being trans influence your leadership? What was it like to be trans in your community before you stepped into leadership? Did you transition while you were coming to NP? If so, what was that like?
In terms of leadership, I think my experiences have solidified my desire to build an inclusive community, to the best of our ability. The world is a tough place right now, especially for transgender youth, and it’s an honor to serve in this role. Community building and strengthening those social ties are the antidote to a lot of the strife we are moving through. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. In terms of what it was like being trans at NP Boston, I began my medical transition during COVID, but I was out as trans when I first joined NP in 2018. It was pretty smooth! People just didn’t really care, in a good way, like I was/am just Mar to them!
- Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead?
Oh yeah, I had some HUGE shoes to fill! I felt like most of my nervous energy came from not wanting to let anyone down, because I love NP Boston so much, but in the many conversations I had with community members, I kept feeling like things were falling into place for a reason. Capozzi and Dana did a great job easing me into Co-leadership, and I think because of their guidance although I was nervous, I would not describe it as imposter syndrome.
- 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?
Love this Q. I work in trans healthcare research at Boston Children’s and with the security threats and onslaught of laws around the country targeting the trans community, it’s tough to envision celebration. BUT I also firmly believe that we can hold the good alongside the bad, they’re not mutually exclusive. This year I have several transgender mentors in medical school who matched (were accepted to a residency program), most of their programs have never had openly transgender physicians, so I will be writing cards to congratulate everyone! To celebrate all year long? Donate to local LGBT groups especially in conservative states, the ground level groups that are fighting the laws targeting trans youth need a lot of support!
- What else do you want people reading this to know?
Minds don’t change overnight, it is never too late to learn something new!
