Strengthen your LGBTQ+ allyship in your running community

For Natalie, an ally is someone who not only accepts those in the LGBTQ+ community, but also appreciates the diversity of the community, recognizes the struggles members have gone through and continue to face, and actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, and we have different backgrounds and stories. What being an ally means to one person in my community might be quite different than what being an ally means to me. To me, being a great ally for me and my community is a blend of both the personal and public, but I recognize others in my community will have other definitions of what a great ally is to them.”

Malissa considers an ally a friend. “An ally is someone who wants to support despite not actually feeling the struggle. They ask about where, when, and how is the best way to help. And they show up even if they don’t exactly know what you need. An ally can also be a voice that is heard where our voices cannot travel,” she said.

Remember, you don’t need to identify as a member of a community to be an ally of that community. You can become a stronger ally by listening, supporting, and advocating for safe spaces and protective policies for LGBTQ+ people.

Ways to strengthen your LGBTQ+ allyship in your running community

Run with an LGBTQ+ run club or work with your run club to fundraise for a local LGBTQ+ community organization.  

Champion others not to assume pronouns and that it’s okay to ask someone their preferred pronouns.  

Advocate for a non-binary race category at local running events. Check out Running USA’s LGBTQ+ inclusion resource for more info. 

Create safe spaces for anyone, especially youth, no matter where they are in their running or identity journey. Brooks is putting allyship into action by providing scholarships to Camp Brave Trails, helping LGBTQ+ youth travel from near and far to a leadership camp where they can find their people, their place, and their passions. Be an ally and join us by sharing your run, your march, or your Run Proud gear with #PrideForMiles.

Support queer creators who bring the world queer art via apparel, shoes, workout gear.

The 2023 Run Proud Collection

Artist and activist Wednesday Holmes is bringing their inclusive, inviting, and inherently joyful designs to our limited edition Run Proud Collection. With this collaboration, we’re empowering all members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to show their true colours. Follow Wednesday on Instagram and see more of their work at hellomynameiswednesday.com.