Jennifer (24, she/her) from the Southside of Glasgow, is a volunteer with LEAP Sports Scotland, and took part in our Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café as a participant during the 2024 Festival Fortnight.
Introduction and Festival Fortnight:
I had the wonderful opportunity of taking part in the Paths for All Rainbow Walk taking place during the LEAP Sports Scotland Festival Fortnight. Festival Fortnight is an annual LGBTQI+ Sports Festival in Scotland aiming to increase visibility and participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTIQ+) people in Scottish sport whilst providing opportunities to raise awareness on wider equality, inclusion and human rights issues within the sports world.
It is common that those identifying as part of the LGBTIQ+ community struggle to find a safe space to express their authentic selves freely in sport environments. For this reason, it was truly inspiring to witness the festival events creating such diverse, safe and inclusive spaces for participants to reap the benefits of physical activity and have a fantastic time while doing it!
The role of sport in my life:
Physical activity has always been an important part of my life and something I view as a valuable life tool. I know that through being active I can find ways to release stress, keep my body healthy and improve my mental health. It is somewhere I know I can turn to whatever challenges I face in my personal or work life. By attending team football training or getting outdoors for a walk or run, either on my own or with another, I know I can find connection and ground myself.
It has only been in my more recent years that I became aware of the impact team sport has had on my life and my wellbeing. During my university years, I found a community in sport. I felt supported by my club and its players, and this gave me the drive to take a more active role in the community to ensure the space continued to be a safe space for others. The sense of belonging, sharing of common goals and opportunity to improve oneself, I believe are all truly invaluable benefits of being a part of a sports community. I think all sports have the magic of being able to give that to people, whether it's recreational or competing competitively, there is a group there for you to express yourself and find connection with others.
My involvement with LEAP Sports:
Through this feeling of believing in the power of sport, I decided to become an active volunteer with LEAP Sports Scotland. This connection led to an incredible opportunity to serve as a European Solidarity Corps Volunteer, where I spent three months in Slovenia working with the European University Sports Association and local LGBTIQ+ community outreach NGOs (non-governmental organisations). This experience greatly enriched my understanding, allowing me to witness firsthand how sport and physical activity can address a wide range of social issues and challenges across Europe and beyond.
My take on the challenges and benefits:
One personal barrier I've faced in sports is the doubt of whether I would be good enough to belong. I've come to realize that this mindset is unproductive. What truly matters is showing up for yourself, giving your best effort, and finding joy in being active. It can be intimidating to step into something unfamiliar, even as simple as joining a walking group. Sure, you've gone for walks before, but it's natural to feel nervous or inferior when entering a group where others already share strong bonds. However, I've learned an important lesson: there's no need to be anxious. You have nothing to prove to anyone—you're there to embrace the opportunity to meet new people, learn, and connect. There's really nothing to fear!
My take home message to anyone who is scared to take the LEAP:
The ability to be active and take part in sport is one of the most beautiful gifts in the world and it should be accessible for everyone!
Read more about our Rainbow Walk & Conversation Café here.
Find out more about LEAP Sports Scotland here.
Explore more ways to walk and wheel in your daily life here.