Stories from Frontrunners, part 1: a queer running club!
- Mark Plant
- May 7
- 4 min read
Queer friendly spaces are vital in today's world. These spaces offer a place for people of the LGBTQ+ community to be their most authentic selves, to have important conversations and create meaningful relationships. They're especially important for LGBTQ+ people from marginalised groups such as trans people and people of colour. Nowadays, queer spaces are usually associated with clubs, bars, discos and nightlife in general.
Who doesn’t love a good night out with friends? However, when you’re looking for something more, where do you go? This is what I asked myself a few years ago when I moved to the UK.
I’m Mark (he/him) an It Gets Better UK Regional Ambassador based in Liverpool. When I moved to the UK about 2 years ago, I immediately wanted to connect with more LGBTQ+ people to help me settle in. Finding a space where I could be myself, make friends and connect with like-minded people was really important to me, so I was very fortunate to find out about the Liverpool Frontrunners, a global LGBTQ+ running club.
I’ve been a member for about two years and have made some great friends as part of a community that allows me to be myself. To highlight the importance of queer spaces like Frontrunners, I’ve spoken with Michael and Poppy, who are both proud members of the club and the LGBTQ+ community. They have shared their experiences of being queer, and how joining clubs and running has helped improve their mental health.
I'll be sharing their conversations over two blog posts, and here's the first - featuring Michael!
Michael Bird
Michael (he/him) is 27 year old Biomedical Scientist from Liverpool. He is a confident
person who prides himself on being humorous and creative. He is well known for his camp and fun personality which lights up any room he enters. Michael has been with Liverpool Frontrunners for about two years and participates in lots of races and half marathons!
What role does running play in your life? What brought you to Frontrunners?
“Ever since I started running, it has helped me massively with my mental health. I often use it as an escape and a way to take care of myself all while enjoying being outdoors in nature. I joined the Front Runners about two years ago. I was really interested in being part of a LGBTQ+ friendly space and making more friends in the community so I am very grateful for my positive experience.”
If Frontrunners were a place or feeling, what would it be?
“The heart of the Frontrunners is a strong sense of community. Every run, social and race are all welcoming, warm and inviting environments.”
What makes Frontrunners different from a normal running club?
“Thanks to my time in the Liverpool Frontrunners, I have been able to meet some like-minded people in the LGBTQ+ community, who I was immediately able to connect with. I have met some amazing people and have created great friendships. If I ever need a chat or want to talk to someone I feel that I am able to do so comfortably and in confidence.”
What are some moments that stand out to you since joining Frontrunners?
“A big moment that stands out to me is successfully doing the Liverpool Half Marathon. It was a big effort that involved lots of training and motivation to keep going. I know for a fact that I would not be able to do a half marathon without the support of the Liverpool Frontrunners, everyone I trained with was welcoming, supportive and highly encouraging! They were there to support me and cheer for me on the day! They really helped me complete an amazing achievement I am very proud of."
Are you a part of any other LGBTQ+ Friendly groups?
“Not yet but I want to join more LGBTQ+ Friendly groups such as Merseyside Queer Hikers and Merseyside Queer Book club!”
Is there anything you wish people outside the LGBTQ+ community understood about groups like this?
“At the end of the day, love is love, and everyone in the Frontrunners can share similar experiences to make one strong and welcoming community. We stand against homophobia and transphobia and have successfully created a really strong support network for members and anyone who wants to join."
What would you say to someone who would want to join?
“I would say why not, give it a go! The Liverpool Frontrunners are a very inclusive running group and you don’t need to be an amazing runner to join. Having people from diverse backgrounds and personalities helps expand the community and bring it closer together."
Finally, what would be your message to your younger self?
“If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to be you at the end of the day. Don’t care what anyone else is saying - this way you’ll grow into someone who is happy and confident in who they are. This is all thanks to embracing my most authentic self.”
Thank you Michael for sharing your experience!
If you are interested in finding out more about Queer Friendly sports clubs all across the UK, you can check out the following resources:
Liverpool Frontrunners - you can also check if there are Frontrunners groups near you!
Pride Sports has a search engine for LGBT+ Sports Clubs near you!
