Tom's story

What is it that you like about participating in sport at the University?   

With B:Active it is free! There are lots of options for lots of different sports that I otherwise probably would not be able to try.  

Have you always played sport/led an active lifestyle?   

No. When I was in secondary school the only activity I did was P.E, and I once tried tennis. I started doing home workouts during lockdown, and then started going to the gym more consistently in my second year of University. From then I’ve really enjoyed the activity.  

How have you found participating in activity here as someone who identifies as being gay?   

When I used to go to the gym in first year, the weights section was full of big groups of men all using the same machines at once. I found this offputting and intimidating at times. At B:Active Volleyball there is a great mix of people in terms of gender, size, experience and sexuality, which has made starting a new sport a lot less intimidating, particularly being non-gendered.

Do you think the University is making noticeable efforts to make members of the LGBTQ+ community feel included?    

I feel very included at the University. I do think trans people have the biggest barrier when it comes to sport and activity.  

What’s been your proudest achievement in sport?  

Doubling the weight I can lift in Body Pump. In Volleyball, at a recent B:Active session I was in the winning team for a couple of mini games. 

What would you say were the biggest barriers to participating in activity for you, if any?   

Turning up. I tend to worry when I’m going by myself, particularly if I’m not going with a friend. B:Active is great though, as there is always a friendly face around. 

Do you enjoy the sport/activity culture in the sessions you attend at the University?   

Yes. It is really friendly, there are different people to play with, giving me the opportunity to meet new people, and it is well-explained.