The importance of equality, diversity and inclusion
A year in 20 photographs 6/20 – the Hebridean Way
Wouldn’t life be boring if we were all the same?
It’s a phrase that is often rolled out, but do we believe it?
I love this photo. Cycling is an activity that is best shared. It is even better when we share it with those that we love. This couple had just arrived at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse after cycling the Hebridean Way
Equality, diversity and inclusion in cycling
Equality, diversity, and inclusion is not about taking rights away from the majority to favour the minority. It is about treating and protecting people the same way you would expect to be treated and protected yourself.
Fitting in
Growing up, I was incredibly shy and introverted. Looking around I could see everyone else having fun and seemingly getting on with their lives without any hang-ups. This pushed me further into my own world, one where I didn’t feel different from everyone else. Everything I did seemed to contradict what was the norm for my peers. I hated team sports, but loved going out cycling for hours on end; I listened to music that my friends thought was weird; I dressed differently; I loved horror movies; I wanted to draw comic books; I preferred spending time with my dog than with other people. Trying my hardest to fit in felt completely awkward and pretending that this was my life was exhausting.
I also felt a very keen sense of justice. It pervades everything I do, from what I eat to who I consider friends. A lot of that comes from my own experiences: growing up with an older brother with cerebral palsy and being friends with lots of his friends I saw first-hand how discrimination has a hugely negative impact on every part of people’s lives.
During my secondary years at school I started to come out of my shell. I fell in with others who were like me: long hair, piercings, painted nails, exceptional taste in music, and so on. It was clear that our differences were not the norm and people even told me that I would grow out of this phase (40 years on and I’m still waiting). Society’s expectations meant I was met with varying degrees of dismay: from mild amusement to fear and, on a couple of occasions, I even ended up in the hospital due to violence directed at me.
Skinny Tyres is inclusive and welcomes everyone
Fast-forward a few decades. When I set up Skinny Tyres I was keen to make it inclusive and welcoming for everyone. A safe place where you indulge in your passion for cycling, no matter what your background is.
I wanted to do that, not because it was the right thing to do, nor from any sense of what the media tend to label as woke. I did it because I have a belief, deep in my core, that everyone is different and everyone has a right to be who they want to be, to live their life in any way they want as long as that is not harming anyone else.
It is startling that in 2024 many other people don’t hold this value. Unfortunately, because of this people still need to consider everyday choices, such as where they go out at night, or what they wear. Fear of discrimination, and often abuse directed at them, is a constant companion because of their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and life choices. A friend once told me that they always take time to consider who they are booking a group holiday with. Not for practical reasons such as cost, destination, or such. They want to ensure that who they are booking with will be open and friendly to a same-sex, married couple. They have had so many negative and intimidating experiences that it has now become part of their decision-making process in everything they do together.
Skinny Tyres is proud to be an LGBTQ-friendly business, providing a safe and warm welcome to everyone on our cycling tours in Scotland. Join us on the Hebridean Way for your next cycling tour.
If you would like to find out more about us get in touch with Scot.
