OutSpokin is a Denver-based cycling club dedicated to creating an inclusive and active space for the LGBTQ+ community. They welcome everyone from advanced cyclists to complete novices and offer several different levels of routes for every ride. The range of levels provides opportunities for people who are serious about cycling as well as those who just want to get out and be social. This club welcomes everyone and provides a judgment-free environment for all. “People just let you be who you are,” says Melissa, a board member for OutSpokin.
After speaking with three of the current board members, I was able to learn the significance that OutSpokin has in their lives. It became clear to me that this club is about so much more than biking. They participate in many philanthropy rides with one major event every year. This year their biggest charity ride was the Buff Classic, a ride that raised money for a scholarship for CU Arts & Sciences.
In addition to their charity work, OutSpokin has also created an incredibly supportive and welcoming community. In our discussion, Melissa described how starved for social interaction she was during the pandemic and how joining the OutSpokin community was her first time feeling a sense of community after quarantine. The current president of the organization, Ryan, talked about what inspired him to join the club. He says that it was wonderful to find a way to “socialize within the queer community” and that he originally joined the board because he wanted to help others gain positive experiences as he had.
OutSpokin truly does emphasize the social aspect of their club. While several members are serious about cycling, it is a wonderful community that inspires people to join and stay. Members often get together for events other than rides and during the winter the club organizes events such as drag bingo and trivia nights. The leaders do not let the weather stop them from continuing to come together.
This club has also done incredible work regarding a greener, more healthy lifestyle. They have recently partnered with Bicycle Colorado advocating for more bike lanes in Denver. The partnership supports getting more people to bike and take other more environmentally-friendly forms of transportation than cars. They stress the environmental and health benefits of biking rather than driving.
OutSpokin has created an environment that truly welcomes all without judgment. The club is a perfect crossover between socialization and fitness while also being a wonderful source of support for the LGBTQ+ community. Their mission is noble and admirable. The members that I had the pleasure of talking to could not have spoken more highly or passionately about the club that has become an integral part of their lives.
