Misfits: A Self Defence Program Created by Not a Phase and Powered by Nike

Misfits is a fitness, wellbeing and self defence programme created by Not A Phase, powered by Nike. Focussing on confidence building whilst breaking down the barriers between the Trans+ community and traditional gym spaces.

“Not A Phase kind of started as a reaction to what, at the time, felt like the peak of anti-trans sentiment. It was kind of early 2020,” says Danielle St James, who founded the Not A Phase charity to uplift the lives of trans+ adults across the UK. “We offer a load of different community-unifying activities,” including Misfits, a fitness, well-being and self-defence programme created to break down barriers the trans+ community often face in traditional gym spaces. Misfits creator and manager Alix Maddison believes the community aspect is as important as the fitness itself.

“When I started transitioning, I realised I was not welcome in a lot of spaces. Having trans-exclusive spaces where I can be safe is so important for me,” says one of the members of Misfits. In the current climate, safety is a chief concern, but it’s enlightening to see what happens when a safe space is created. In creating Misfits, St James and Maddison also encourage trans people to recognise their right to safety, to fitness, and to all the options in life. Here, members can see a variety of people pursuing their goals in certainty and comfort and lifting each other up to do the same. It’s remarkably simple, in fact, as St James says: “Misfits is a collective goal of getting sweaty and laughing and having a good time. Our only responsibility is to lead by example and just show people overcoming this. And so our message, of uplifting, of joy, of community, has never been stronger than it is now.”

Find out more about Misfits here.