Bicycle library user Bea Wood praises Club Doncaster Foundation's inclusivity during Doncaster Pride Week
07 August 2021Having undergone two ankle operations during lockdown, Doncaster Pride committee member Bea Wood wanted to get out on a bike to help get herself back to full fitness.
She took advantage of the Foundation’s cycle library, based at the Keepmoat Stadium, and was able to hire a suitable bike to help get her on the road.
Bea, who works as both a community connector and transgender\LGBTQ+ support lead for PFG Doncaster, said: "“I have tourettes syndrome, and I’m transgender as well, which have their own battles in themselves in society.”
“I used to be very active in cycling and triathlon, so I came to Club Doncaster Foundation to get back on a bike and get out there without the pressures of being on a road bike."
Bea was impressed with the welcoming atmosphere at Club Doncaster, praising the staff and participants for making her feel at home.
“It's one of the few places I go with no judgment and no preconceived ideas about my gender or tourettes. Everyone sees through that here, everyone sees me as a person. I’m not defined by how much I twitch, blink or blurt words out.
“I’ve never been misgendered here either, which is massive, because when you come to do sport you’re at your most vulnerable. You don't put makeup on, don't dress up nice and smart - you put your joggers and your t-shirt on and you go for it.”
Bea finds that being out on a bike helps ease some of her symptoms, finding that her ticks almost completely disappear.
“My tourettes just disappear when I'm on a bike, that gives me the ultimate release mentally, physically it does me good, that time on a bike is bliss.
“I’ve been welcomed with open arms, that changes everything for me, it changes the way I feel walking in here, I feel safe, I know Club doncaster are supporting the LGBTQ+ community, they’re supporting people with mental health conditions. They see us as human and that’s really important.”
