Creating Safe and Affirming Spaces for LGBTQ+ Runners

• Protecting Queer Runners
• Panelist: Lambda Legal Attorney, Sasha Buchert (she/her) 
• Legal rights and protections for queer athletes

• Treating Queer Runners
• Panelist: HSS Physiatrist, Dr. Jennifer O’Connell (she/her)
• Trans and queer affirming care, specific to running/athletes. 

• Understanding Queer Runners
• Panelist: Winner of the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon in the Non-binary Category,
• Sof Comacho (they/them) 
• Centering the experience of LGBTQ+ runners 

• Moderator: Ryan Hallett (he/him), FRNY President

Dr. Jennifer O'Connell (she/her) is a board certified, fellowship-trained physiatrist at HSS specializing in the nonoperative treatment of spinal and musculoskeletal disorders. With over 20 years of experience in her field, Dr. O'Connell's goal is to guide her patients to an active lifestyle by helping them make the most of their mobility. Dr. O'Connell received her medical degree from Rutgers (Formerly UMDNJ) Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and did an internship with the US Air Force, afterwards serving as an Emergency Physician at USAF Hospital Misawa in Japan. She completed her residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia where she was Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in interventional spine procedures under Dr. Frank Falco at Mid-Atlantic Spine in Delaware. Originally from New Jersey, Dr. O'Connell has lived in Pennsylvania, Japan, Florida and currently resides in Manhattan. She is an avid runner and has finished ten full marathons so far.

Sasha Buchert (she/her) is the Director of the Non-Binary and Transgender Rights Project at Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest organization dedicated to advancing the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and individuals living with HIV. During her time at Lambda Legal, Sasha has been involved in extensive federal and state legislative and policy efforts on a wide range of issues including judicial nominations, criminal justice reform policy and health care initiatives. She is also litigating a number of cases expanding and solidifying federal civil rights protections for LGBTQ people. Before joining Lambda Legal, Sasha served as Staff Attorney and Policy Counsel at Transgender Law Center. Sasha Buchert was the first openly transgender person to be appointed to an Oregon state board, and from 2012-13, she served as the chair of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board. She holds a J.D. from Willamette University.

Sof Camacho (they/them) is a Mexican non-binary sub-elite runner, drag performer, tattoo artist, and run coach with Nike Running and Mile High Run Club. They took up road racing after graduating from Barnard College of Columbia University where they ran D1 XC and Track. As a 2:29 marathoner and queer nightlife worker, Sof coaches their runners by emphasizing that anything is possible through flexibility and determination. Sof is also an advocate for childhood sexual assault prevention as a CSA survivor at the hands of their former high school coach. Their story of survival is featured in the Spring 2025 print edition of Runner's World. As a transgender runner, Sof maintains that trans people belong in sports and vows to carve such spaces where fellow queer athletes feel safe and welcome.

Ryan Hallett (he/him) serves as President of Front Runners New York. Since joining FRNY in 2020, he has become a passionate advocate for its vibrant, supportive community. As President, Ryan is committed to ensuring FRNY is a welcoming home for every runner, guiding the club in championing inclusivity for new members, trans and non-binary individuals, women, people of color, and those with disabilities. He also focuses on bridging generations, honoring the club's rich 1979 legacy while empowering new voices to shape its future. Outside of FRNY, Ryan is a senior communications leader helping global brands, like Marriott International and Nike, shape compelling narratives and connect authentically with their audiences. He brings this same passion for community engagement and effective leadership to his role at FRNY.

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