The Importance of Trans and Nonbinary Acceptance

Updated June 2025

In 2021, NYRR launched the Nonbinary Equity and Inclusion (NBEI) initiative to provide runners of all gender identities with the ability to run in a safe, competitive, and friendly environment that is equitable, accessible, inclusive, fair, and free of discrimination. As part of the initiative, NYRR participants have the option to choose their gender (man, woman, or non-binary) in their NYRR profile. 

We spoke to gender non-conforming runners about their running experiences. Answers have been condensed and lightly edited.

Erika Kaiser
Front Runners New York

Photo provided by MarathonFoto.

Erika (she/her), 33, identifies as transgender and female. She is an emergency medicine physician and lives in New York City.

When did you start running?

I ran track and cross country in high school. I ran my first marathon, the New York City Marathon, when I was 23. Lately I've been focusing a lot on improved mental health and a big part of that for me is running.

Would you share your gender identity?

I would simply describe my identity as female, but I'm also transgender. I'm comfortable with the adjective trans or transgender. I'm binary, so the term nonbinary doesn't describe me.

I guess you could say I fall under the category of gender non-conforming, but I wouldn't describe myself that way. That kind of makes it sound like I'm breaking certain societal rules by not conforming, but I don't think it should be viewed that way. I also don't think I'm particularly non-conforming with the gender I identify as.

Do you believe that visibility and representation of gender non-conforming runners is important?

Yes, very much so. There is so much resistance to allowing trans people to participate in sports. A common proposed solution seems to be to form a separate category for trans athletes, but while some nonbinary individuals and others might prefer running in this category, it can be very invalidating to expect (or demand) that of trans athletes who aren't nonbinary.

Added visibility shows people that we exist. We've existed for a long time. And some of us like to run.

How can runners support the experience of gender non-conforming runners?

Come run with us! There's plenty of opportunities. Front Runners [has] been really welcoming to me as a trans runner.

How can running organizations support and affirm the participation and experience of gender non-conforming runners?

For me, being able to update your gender with a running organization should be a painless process. Fortunately, with NYRR it was.

Being more explicit about trans acceptance would be nice too. The race pages for some of the women's races, for example, mention nothing about trans women being welcome to run. I think it's important to take a stance and show support.

Do you have any other thoughts you'd like to share?

I'm more than just a runner who's trans. I'm also an emergency medicine physician, a caring partner, a loyal friend, a music lover, a book enthusiast, and a longtime New Yorker. Being trans is only one part of who I am.

Want more? Read about:

• NYRR's Nonbinary Equity and Inclusion initiative
• Kester Antiquina's story: Running to Be Seen and Recognized
• LGBTQIA+ organizations doing work in the community

The runners interviewed will be taking part in the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run in Central Park on June 24. Come out and support all the runners at this sold-out race!