At Pan Idræt, we have an ambition to be an association where sports, mental health and inclusion go hand in hand. Therefore, it is also an association where there is a focus on language, community and culture, so that members feel welcome and happy at every training session – and outside of the training sessions.
In the Pan People campaign, we try to take a look at the places where good stories hide – and where culture inspires better inclusion of those who don't always fit in.
We've spoken to three cool people who talk about why Pan Idræt's departments are the right place for them. About teammates and leaders who give space and create a space where you can be yourself.
Bach Sejr Villumsen, 33 years old (they/them)
Studying economics on a daily basis, living on Amager and a member of Pan Rugby
"I always knew I was non-binary. But it wasn't until I was 15 that I found the words to describe it, and it was a huge relief. I thought I was the only one in the world who was like that."
I came out in March in front of my workplace. Most of my family and friends have known for a very long time that I am non-binary, but it has really taken some weight off my shoulders in terms of the workplace. My legal name change took eight months to be approved. I have chosen a family name as my first name, but it had to be approved by the Family Court first. The rules say that your name must match your legal gender, so you can't just change your name.
I joined Pan Rugby in September. It was incredibly difficult to get started after corona, and I needed to join a club. I played basketball and football as a child and young adult, but there comes a certain age when gender becomes important, so I never really felt at home. I missed a masculine space, where the training might be tough, but where there was also a social network. And then I came to an open training at Pan Rugby because I could read on the website that they were very committed to being a club for everyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. That made me feel comfortable showing up!
Normally I have been there “on dispensation”, as an exception. But at Pan Rugby they were so welcoming, and the first time I cycled home, I was very happy and surprised by the welcome and to feel that I was allowed to be part of the training and the team. It is a place that is incredibly nice to be in – I want to both train and party with them. It is really nice to feel included, to feel that others expect me to come. People look out for each other, so it is an extremely inclusive and caring space where you talk each other up. Both the chairman and the coaches contribute to the fact that everyone can set limits for themselves, and that you are respectful towards each other. There is room for all of me!”
Note: Jimmy is chairman and Joe is head coach of Pan Rugby
Thea Inuk Lønberg-Jensen, 24 years old (she/her)
Master's student in English, in internship at a private company, member of Pan Basketball
"I've probably always had experiences that made me think about my gender. But it takes time to figure it out properly. So in my early twenties I came out to my boyfriend and close family. I've been completely out for about a year now, and in January I started hormone therapy. Later I also started voice training. So I would say that I'm more and more being read the way I want to be – and that I'm living the life I want to.
My girlfriend took me to an open house at Pan Idræt a short while ago. She wanted to go swimming, and in the meantime I walked around and looked at the other sports. I'm 1.90, so basketball was an obvious choice! I met the coach Lisette, who is just super sweet and really energetic.
I have been with Pan Basketball for 2 months now, and it is just a really good group! It has been a great introduction to the sport, and we are learning a lot together as a team. There is a feeling that everyone is helping to shape the team, and the training has constructive exercises so that everyone can participate – Lisette is super talented.
There are a lot of different people on the team. I'm actually surprised by how much of a mix there is in terms of gender. The most important thing for me is that there are other queer people. People who break down gender – it gives you a breathing space to know that you're in a good place. There's a real focus on the good teamwork, and that it's fun to be part of. So it's been super nice to start at Pan – it's a place where you can feel more space because other people are more like yourself than most other places.”
Lars Hansen, 51 years old (he/him)
Works with supporting entrepreneurs/start-ups, lives in Copenhagen and is a member of Pan Transfitness
"I've lived in Germany for the last 30 years of my life and have only just come back to Copenhagen. Berlin is a great city, not least for transgender and non-binary people, it's a bit like a mecca. There's a community there. But now I've come back and joined Pan Transfitness.
I transitioned 12 years ago, so it all happened in Germany. It actually happened pretty quickly, and I think that unlike a lot of transgender people, I didn't feel as bad or as dysphoric [severe depression or a feeling of discomfort ed.] as some people do/are. But I had a good trans friend who showed me the way, and I understood that it was my way too. I've lived over half my life as a woman, and a lot of my life experience comes from living as a lesbian in Berlin in the 90s. And that's actually something I'm very happy about. But now I'm in a place where I feel better about myself and my body.
I have always played some kind of sport – football, handball or something else. I have also always wanted to go to the gym – and I have done it! But there is a lot of masculinity in the fitness environment, especially in the locker room. So it can be incredibly difficult to go to, for example, SATS or Fitness World, for many it is a huge challenge every time. Especially if their body does not look like what they want. You are checked on how you look – also in Berlin. Personally, I am afraid of being “exposed”, it may be rooted in a kind of social anxiety. Because what happens then?
That's why I'm in the new Transfitness group! I already knew Pan, but now I've made new connections - and it's just super nice to be in a room where no one questions you. You can do whatever you want and express yourself however you want.
The group is very mixed, some train a lot, others a little, but what we have in common is that we need this environment. It is absolutely of great value that such a group has come, and I am really happy to be part of it. It doesn't matter whether you have come dressed or if you change there, it is completely relaxed. The external environment is safe, we treat each other with respect, and we are monitored to see if we are being proper to each other. It is worth its weight in gold.”
