Being non-binary means something different to every person, cyclist KC Cross explains. They started riding as a child in Arkansas, and have returned to cycling as an adult, finding joy and acceptance on the bike as a member of the Shimano Road Crew.
And now, Cross is speaking out in this powerful new short film released today from Shimano, trying to help people understand what it means to be non-binary and what it means to be accepting and open to non-binary people in and outside of the cycling community.
“You’ve been taught that a man has these traits, strong, masculine, emotionless; while women are seen as nurturing, caretakers,” Cross says in the film. "I have a little bit of those things and none of those things… Let’s just get rid of this box and be who you are.”
In addition to dealing with issues facing non-binary and trans youth in Arkansas, Cross is also involved in the BIPOC community there, trying to make cycling more accessible for other marginalized groups. “I’m looking to change the culture of cycling,” they say. “Cycling is a major outlet for me. I spent 20-something years of my life as an athlete, and it’s really nice to take a step back and do something physical for fun.”
Non-binary inclusion in races is becoming slightly more common, with races like Rebecca Rusch’s Private Idaho introducing non-binary categories and racers/organizers like Molly Cameron tirelessly campaigning for LGBTQIA+ rights in cycling, particularly for the trans community. But the cycling community as a whole still has a lot of work to do when it comes to diversity and inclusion, both in terms of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC riders, and riders like Cross are helping change the narrative to show that cycling is absolutely a sport for anyone and everyone.
While the film centers around cycling, it also highlights the broader issues facing non-binary people, particularly the use of the correct pronouns (and the mental toll and harm that using the incorrect pronouns can cause). Cross also talks candidly about their mental health struggles. For cyclists—or anyone—trying to better understand what a non-binary identity means, this video is a powerful way to begin the process.
“I really do love who I am,” they conclude. “That’s the point of life: Not trying to live it to be someone else, but to live our life the way that we want to, the way that lets us find our own happiness.”
