Lex Keaton: Rider Profile
Community can be simply described as a group with common characteristics or experiences. The experiences that bring riders to Texas Mamma Jamma are as unique as the riders themselves, and every experience is valid in this shared community. As part of the queer community, Lex Keaton rides for the members of the LGBTQ+ community who are impacted by breast cancer and whose experiences are often overlooked.
Who or what drives your ride?
Growing up queer and being a part of the queer community, I have met all sorts of people with a wide variety of identities. I found myself noticing that Trans Men and Nonbinary individuals are often not included in studies, data and the overall conversation about breast cancer. While the number of affected individuals is not as high as it is for female-identified folks, this population is still impacted, and they should be considered. I feel like this is an issue that I can help shed light on. Breast cancer does not discriminate, and I want everyone to feel supported during their journey. I am proud to say that the #SaveTheNipple Team is a safe space for all people where I can continue to ride and raise awareness.
What is your favorite beneficiary of the ride and why?
My favorite beneficiary of the ride is the Sustainable Food Center (SFC). SFC is involved in every step of our Central Texas food system. The Happy Kitchen, my favorite class offered by the SFC, is a nationally recognized cooking and nutrition program that teaches healthy food selection and preparation. The SFC offers free 6-week cooking and nutrition courses in communities facing health disparities. I feel this gives the community an advantage on how to best feed themselves, which can be useful as a preventative measure or as a way to keep healthy after treatment.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I moved to Austin in 2012 and met my partner, Sarah, three years later. We live with our two dogs, Marigold and Oxford. Our favorite family pastimes are walking or riding our bikes with our dogs in special carriers. I work at a tech company called BigCommerce, selling the shopping cart software used in E-commerce. I have a passion for technology, which I used to start my own nonprofit back in 2009 in my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas. For the past five years, I have used my skills to maximize my fundraising ability for Texas Mamma Jamma Ride!
What will you be sure to take with you on the ride?
Naturally, I always bring a water bottle but most importantly I carry with me a deep appreciation for all the volunteers for the Texas Mamma Jamma Ride! These volunteers and board members work their butts off and it shows! Whenever the ride gets tough because of a hill, headwind, or a flat, I remember all the stories I've heard of those affected by breast cancer and remember that even some of the riders on Ride Day are currently battling breast cancer. It keeps me motivated and keeps my feet on the pedals, I literally can't give up!
Do you have any special rituals before or after the ride?
The #SaveTheNipple Team has a yearly tradition, excluding the one year it rained on us, to go tubing after the ride. I would definitely say that is an important after ride ritual for our whole team! In 2019, the team rented an entire house out for the team alongside the river. It’s a great way to build our team in size, bond and ultimately raise more money as a whole!
From left, Lex Keaton and Sarah “Beav” Braverman
By Sabina Conditt, Communications Intern