# @nyrr on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct__gtjsI9I
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/7778844-nyrr-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/5c78ef99d5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-06-27T16:05:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** New York Road Runners (@nyrr) — https://gondola.cc/nyrr

## Caption

“It’s important to have non-binary people in running, especially when we think about our youth. People aspire to be things they can see and things they can see themselves in and if there’s not visibility, I think there’s a lot of youth that are going to get lost.” 

Meet Leesh Menard (they/them)👋, an NYRR member who runs with the DyckmanRunClub in Upper Manhattan. Leesh identifies as non-binary trans with an agender microlabel. They got into running as a way to stay in shape for other sports and eventually running "became its own love." 

Leesh is a Ph.D. student at Columbia University and does research for the New York State Psychiatric Institute. 

"I'm looking at transgender health disparities and health care access...I [also] do research looking at transgender people with substance use."

Leesh believes visibility and representation of gender non-conforming runners is important. Before NYRR had a non-binary category, they registered as female which was really stressful, they said. 

"I think the running community is not very LGBTQ-inclusive in general, and then to feel like not only are there not a lot of us there, but you can’t exist at all because there’s not an option – that felt really bad."

When asked what can running organizations and events do to make gender non-conforming runners feel more welcome, Leesh recommended having gender-neutral facilities, changing the shirt categories from women and men to tapered and straight cut, and training staff and volunteers to use gender-neutral language. 

"I’m someone who feels marginalized when I run. There are women’s runs and LGBTQ runs but there’s not a non-binary run event. I think that’s just something to consider."

For those who don't have much experience with non-binary or trans people and want to learn more, Leesh recommends doing research online and talking to people you know who identify that way, and most importantly, be respectful. 

"When talking to them, be kind and think about why you want to know the answers to those questions, what’s appropriate, and if you would ask that version of a question to a cis person."

Read more about Leesh at the link in bio.✍️
 
#MemberMoment
 
📸: marathonfoto

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