‘Shifting Gears’ is a short film that follows London’s largest LGBTQ+ cycling club LDN RIDERS, supported by Leigh Day, through Pride Month as its members celebrate Pride in London and fundraise to support the trans and non-binary community.
“Supporting grassroots cycling and promoting the sport at all levels is important to the team. We feel it is important to encourage exciting and rewarding cycling experiences for all.” – Philip Lee, Associate Solicitor, Leigh Day. The film, produced by Stone Visuals, hears from key members of our community on what Pride means to them, the importance of LGBTQ+ grassroots sports clubs and need for safe fitness spaces for trans+ people.
LDN RIDERS is raising awareness about the discrimination faced by the community worldwide and fundraising for Not A Phase’s MISFITS programme that provides safe and inclusive fitness spaces for the transgender community.
“Transgender individuals face daily battles for acceptance and safety in traditional fitness spaces, often encountering discrimination, lack of inclusivity, and the distressing reality of being denied access to basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms. We’re therefore fundraising for Not A Phase’s MISFITS – a fitness, well-being, and self-defence programme that focuses on building confidence while breaking down the barriers between the Trans+ community and fitness spaces. As a club we also organise dedicated rides and training sessions to ensure transgender, non-binary and cisgendered female cyclists feel welcome.” – Julian Gregory, Founder, LDN RIDERS.
“The money raised by LDN RIDERS supports Misfits greatly with operational costs of gym rental, trainer fees and sports equipment to be able to provide quality fitness and wellness classes in prime locations of four major cities in the UK with plans to expand to another 2 by the end of 2023. These are completely free for trans+ people as well as activity days throughout the year offering events such as rock climbing, rowing, cycling and beach tennis. Trans+ visibility and representation in sport is vital to allow integration and acceptance in both recreational spaces with more accommodations needed in the majority of gyms and competitive sports where there is still a lot of hostility and segregation.” – Alix Anson-Jones, Founder, Misfits.
Throughout the month of June, LDN RIDERS took on FOUR epic charity Pride Rides ranging from 218 km to 400 km. The first ride took place on Saturday 10th June with 4 riders taking on a gruelling 8+ hour 218 km loop of Greater London, including 2,000m of elevation, on the hottest day of 2023!
On Friday 16th to Saturday 17th June, 44 riders took on various endurance rides from London to Paris (Tower To Tower), starting from Tower Bridge or Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and finishing at the iconic Eiffel Tower.
One-day 400 km ride from LDN to Paris via Calais
One-day 275 km ride from LDN to Paris via Dieppe
Two-day 275 km ride from LDN to Paris via Dieppe
80 members also marched to show solidarity at the Pride in London Parade on 1st July.
One participant, Lucius, said, “I’ve never been around another trans person. The first meeting at Misfits, I was so nervous, and everyone welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t thank the team enough.” Ash added, “Misfits is a community founded on mutual respect and care, and it helps trans people connect with others and build friendships.”
The club hopes that every contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
These are some great organisations to follow, go and have a look at their socials:
