by Molly Adams, the Lawrence Times – October 14, 2023

Pink, white and blue flags abounded Saturday as Lawrence community members gathered to show support for transgender cyclists during the Belgian Waffle Ride.

The race recently changed its policies to no longer allow trans women to race in the women’s categories, nor allow trans men to race in the men’s categories. Instead, transgender cyclists must race in a third category, Gender Diverse, for “Racers whose gender identity or expression may not match their gender assigned at birth.”

Local activists, including folks with Trans Lawrence Coalition, Lawrence Queer Collective, Women-Led Cycling, Jungle House and Wonder Fair, planned Saturday’s demonstration at the race’s finish line to celebrate trans pride and show solidarity.

Demonstrators stood against the policy, which they say is disrespectful of transgender women’s identities as women, and of trans men’s identities as men. Read more in this article from Friday.

One message on signs read “Austin Killips Fan Club,” in support of a transgender woman who won the North Carolina Belgian Waffle Ride in June. BWR and UCI, the global governing body for cycling, both announced plans to change their policies in early July.

The Belgian Waffle Ride received a $12,000 Transient Guest Tax grant this year from the City of Lawrence. The grant was approved in December 2022, and funds were paid months ago, a city spokesperson confirmed Friday.