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LGBTQ+ Equality Group

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Sexual orientation and gender identity should not be barriers to participation in sports. However, evidence shows that members of the LGBTQ+ community encounter many challenges to participating in sporting activities, often from an early age. The SCA LGBTQ+ Equality Group aims to make paddlesports as accessible as possible to the LGBTQ+ community by identifying and removing barriers to participation, irrespective of whether these barriers are real or perceived. Removal of barriers is one step in the process, the next is to ensure that LGBTQ+ paddlers are supported to learn and enjoy their chosen activities and become valued, long-term members of the SCA paddlesport community.

 

If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference please get in touch: equality@canoescotland.org


Terms of reference for LGBTQ+ Equality Group

Who's on the Committee?

Meet MJ: Hi my name is MJ and my pronouns are they/them.


I have always paddled on and off for most of my life. Either with my parents in our cedar strip canoe on Lake Manitou, an after-work kayak to destress around Toronto Island, or with friends through the small inland islands of Finland.  I also enjoy woodworking and craft canoe paddles in my spare time, a hobby I started at the age of 12 and have just recently taken back up. 


I took a 10-year break to officiate roller derby and have recently returned to paddle sport in Scotland.


photo by: Andy Toop


Five years ago, during a kayak expedition with some of my roller derby friends in Finland, I had the time and space to breath and think. I had been struggling with my gender identity for 20 years, but only recently language changed to include those who do not fit into binary gender roles.  I have always said that language has finally caught up with me, I did not catch up to language. 


After that trip I started the new chapter of my life, coming out as a transgendered non-binary person. I really believe that would not have happened if I was not on the water. Paddlesport is life changing for some. 


Since then, the road has not been smooth as a non-binary trans person. I know the journey is worth it, not only for myself, but the others that come after.  I have been known as “ MJ, The Changer of Forms” which has included the SCAs’ membership form. If a person cannot even fill out a form because they are not represented by it, then how can there be an expectation for them to participate?


I joined the committee to ensure non-binary queer representation and to assist in policy changes so that the SCA can truly represent all people and allow for greater participation of all people in paddlesport no matter their identity or intersectionality.


Since joining the committee there have been some mis-gendering moments, but I have to say that there has been incredible support, self-reflection, self-correcting and people educating themselves to understand the nuances of inclusivity and intersectionality to become strong allies. There is a genuine want to make things better for all people to enjoy paddle sport.


I have paddled most type of boats, but my currently favorite vessel is my Alpacka Wolverine Packraft.  Like non-binary folks, packrafting can be mis-understood by the broader paddling community.  However, the packable, robust and lightweight adaptable boat opens up so many different worlds of adventure, especially those off the beaten path. 

Meet Julie: I’m Julie and I’m a member of the Moray SUP club up in the North of Scotland. I’ve always loved being in, around and on the sea and took up paddleboarding about ten years ago as something to do when there were no waves for surfing. In the last few years I’ve expanded my love of water and the environment into sea kayaking and also white water kayaking. I love the avenues paddling has brought me down and the people I’ve met through getting involved with the paddling community. I’m now working towards some coaching and leadership qualifications so I can help get more people out on the water.


What attracted you to become a member of the LGBTQ+ Equality Group?


I first learned about the group through the LGBTQ+ Tay 21 event last year. We spent the weekend on the river Tay in a variety of craft and I loved the welcoming nature of the group and the sense of ease amongst us while we chatted and paddled our way down the river. It was so nice to be comfortable talking about anything in the group including my personal life without the fear of judgement. Whilst paddling was our first common interest we were also all there taking part in an LGBTQ+ event which gave me personally a sense of security.


I decided to get involved with the committee as I wanted to be pro-active in encouraging the community to grow and get more people paddling together. From first time trier outers to seasoned pro’s, I believe the committee can play a role in getting more of us ‘out’ on the water in a safe environment having fun.
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