Welcome to CCC Introduces, our series spotlighting our amazing community of contributors.
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Lives: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Club/team: @queer_wheels @raphaamsterdam @norordinarywomen.cc
Instagram: st_sutherland
Tell us about yourself
My name is Sebastien (they/them). I’m a cyclist, sports inclusion consultant and drag king. I’m from Scotland but moved to the Netherlands in 2019. I started cycling more after a motorbike accident when I moved to London 10 years ago. I bought an old fixie from a friend and never looked back! After moving to Amsterdam I started one of the first LGBTQ+ cycling clubs here in 2021 and I spend my time between riding my bike and advocating for better representation in the sport.
What do you love about cycling
Cycling is the biggest love of my life. For me, it brought a freedom that no other thing could. It’s a way of life living in Amsterdam. I cycle everywhere, but the bike has also taken me to places that I would have never gone and given me challenges that I never thought I could overcome. The best thing about cycling is the community it’s given me and my sense of self. I have friends from all walks of life. Cycling gave me the confidence to be myself and help others to do the same.
What barriers have you faced?
As a non-binary person, I’m pretty much told that I don’t exist in cycling and that I’m not allowed a voice. There are a lot of barriers when it comes to racing and events. 99% of the time I can’t attend because there are no pathways for non-binary athletes to sign up. There’s also a lack of education surrounding non-binary and transgender athletes. This in turn creates a fear around us, causing friction and misunderstandings even at a local level due to the present bans and misinformation circulating. At almost every ride I go on these days, I’m asked intrusive questions or receive some sort of homophobia or transphobia. Clubs, sports organisations and brands are not doing enough. The best things to change moving forward would be providing better education and showing a welcoming acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, as well as including us in the conversation. It’s very painful to be judged just because of who you are. I’m just another person in Lycra who likes to ride their bike.
Why were you interested in contributing?
I wanted to contribute because of the lack of representation for people like me and to help stop the misinformation, and demystify the conversation. I think that this is a great platform to have meaningful conversations where we remember that there’s a human behind the images. We could be so much more as a sport and community if we encourage a willingness to understand and have empathy towards one another.
Your fondest memory on the bike
My fondest memory on the bike was my first trip after my top surgery last year with one of my best friends and fellow cyclist, Fede. I went to visit him in Milan - and at this point, we had only met each other through Instagram - but we had an amazing week. He took me up to Lake Como and I climbed the switchbacks in a body that felt truly mine for the first time. It was amazing. I love riding, but cycling with friends that make you feel seen is the best feeling in the world.
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