by Interview With Cal Calamia, Founder of Non-Binary+ Run Club
Cal Calamia is the founder of the Non-Binary+ Run Club, a community and space for non-binary, gender expansive, and trans individuals to come together and run, walk, and move their bodies in a safe and inclusive environment. I had the opportunity to sit down with Cal and discuss their inspiration for starting the club, the importance of creating spaces for non-binary and trans individuals, and the impact the club has had on its members.
Cal, who uses they/them pronouns, was inspired to start the Non-Binary+ Run Club after experiencing a lack of inclusive spaces for non-binary and trans individuals in the running community. “I had been running for many years, and while I loved the sport, I often felt out of place and invisible in the running community,” Cal shared. “I wanted to create a space where non-binary and trans individuals could come together, feel seen, and feel supported in their fitness journey.”
The Non-Binary+ Run Club was founded in 2019 and has since grown into a welcoming and diverse community. “It has been incredible to see the club grow and to witness the impact it has had on its members,” Cal remarked. “We have individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds who come together to run, walk, or simply move their bodies in a way that feels right to them.”
Creating inclusive spaces for non-binary and trans individuals is incredibly important, as many traditional fitness and sports environments can be exclusive and unwelcoming. “There is a long history of gatekeeping and discrimination in the fitness and sports world,” Cal explained. “Non-binary and trans individuals often face additional barriers when it comes to participating in physical activity, and creating inclusive spaces is a necessary step in breaking down those barriers.”
The Non-Binary+ Run Club provides a safe and supportive environment for its members to engage in physical activity without fear of judgment or discrimination. “We prioritize inclusivity, respect, and support for each member, regardless of their gender identity or expression,” Cal stated. “Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and empowered to move their bodies in a way that feels good to them.”
The impact of the Non-Binary+ Run Club on its members has been profound. “I have seen individuals who were initially hesitant to join the club because of past experiences in fitness settings blossom and gain confidence in themselves and their abilities,” Cal shared. “We have created a space where our members can be themselves, bond with others who share similar experiences, and feel supported in their fitness journey.”
In addition to providing a welcoming space for non-binary and trans individuals, the Non-Binary+ Run Club also advocates for greater inclusivity and representation in the wider running and fitness community. “We strive to challenge the status quo and push for more inclusive practices in the running world,” Cal stated. “Representation matters, and it is important for non-binary and trans individuals to see themselves reflected in the fitness and sports spaces they occupy.”
Cal emphasized the importance of visibility and representation for non-binary and trans individuals in all aspects of society, including fitness and sports. “When non-binary and trans individuals see themselves represented in the fitness and sports world, it not only validates their experiences but also encourages others to create spaces for them,” Cal remarked. “Inclusivity should not be a privilege, it should be the norm, and it is up to all of us to advocate for and create spaces that welcome everyone.”
The Non-Binary+ Run Club has also become a hub for social activism and community engagement. “We are not only a running club, but also a platform for social justice and advocacy,” Cal explained. “We seek to use our platform to amplify the voices of non-binary and trans individuals, challenge systemic barriers, and advocate for greater inclusivity and representation in the fitness and sports world.”
The impact of the Non-Binary+ Run Club extends beyond its members and has sparked conversations and changes in the wider fitness community. “We have been able to influence the practices and policies of other running clubs and organizations, creating a ripple effect that promotes inclusivity and diversity in the fitness world,” Cal shared. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our advocacy work and to know that we are contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming fitness and sports community.”
As the Non-Binary+ Run Club continues to grow and advocate for greater inclusivity, Cal remains committed to creating a space where non-binary and trans individuals feel seen, supported, and valued. “I am incredibly proud of what the club has become and the impact it has had on its members and the wider fitness community,” Cal stated. “Our work is far from done, and we will continue to push for greater inclusivity, representation, and advocacy for non-binary and trans individuals in the fitness and sports world.”
In a world where inclusivity and representation are essential, the Non-Binary+ Run Club is leading the way in creating a space where non-binary and trans individuals can come together, feel seen, and feel supported in their fitness journey. Cal and the club’s members have shown that inclusivity is not only possible but necessary in creating a more equitable and welcoming fitness and sports community.
