Simran Chugani (front), founder of Riot Run runner club. (Photo courtesy Chugani)
ORLANDO | Simran Chugani went to run clubs around Orlando to fulfill their love for the sport, but they couldn’t help but notice something was missing; no one looked like them.
Chugani is South Asian and transgender. They founded Riot Run, a space that is dedicated to queer and trans people who want to try out running, and who want to use movement to heal.
“They (run clubs) were great, but I looked around and I was like ‘Where are people who look like me and identify like me?’,” Chugani says. “I know it’s not that we don’t run. The question was more so ‘Why are we not present at other run clubs and how can we be?’ I felt like I needed to work twice as hard or prove myself per se to fit in, to make conversation with people.”
Ever since Chugani was a kid, they loved sports. Their parents supported their athletic endeavors but others didn’t. People would doubt their abilities but that didn’t stop Chugani from trying harder, they love to prove people wrong.
It means everything to Chugani, to have a safe space to simply exist as a runner. Chugani says they are inspired by the queer and trans runners who have come before them.
“Knowing that this is something that I can lead and something that creates this community has been really important for me,” Chugani says. “Just underscoring the fact that there is strength in numbers. We continue to show up and we can still feel this joy no matter what.”
Every Saturday, Chugani meets up with their run group and it always guarantees a smile.
“It’s something so simple and it allows me to feel so much joy,” Chugani says. “I think there is a magic and beauty of being with other trans people and just living.”
Running has allowed them to connect with other trans community members in Orlando. They feel that running is simply about having fun. Chugani described the feeling that goes through them during a run as relief.
“For me, running has been a tool that’s almost meditative,” Chugani says. “If I’m stressed out about something or I just need to think through something, I usually find myself craving a run. I think it’s also a way to connect with nature, like Orlando is so beautiful and the trails here are awesome.”
Chugani expressed their fear for running alone, especially in the mornings. They say that running as a group, as a queer and trans person is helpful.
Riot Run has given Chugani a lens to look critically at how to build a safe community for those who are searching. They know others can come to Riot Run to simply exist, have fun and connect with nature.
“I think the impact of it is proof of trans joy,” Chugani says. “It’s something so simple, it’s something so accessible, and it’s something that we can enjoy together.”
Chugani will participate in the Orlando Magic 5K run in downtown Orlando Feb. 4. For more information on the run, go to TrackShack.com/Events. To learn more about Riot Run, visit the group’s Instagram @riotrun_fl.
