LGBTQ+ Sports Leagues You Should See This Year
LGBTQ+ sports leagues offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where athletes of all identities can enjoy their favorite sports. These leagues promote diversity, inclusivity, and equality, providing a supportive space for both seasoned athletes and newcomers. Join us in celebrating the power of sports to unite and create positive change.
Pride Pins
Pride Pins is a LGBTQ+ friendly bowling league sanctioned with the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) at Revel & Roll West. They cater to the LGBTQ+ community members, allies, and anyone who values a supportive and inclusive atmosphere in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The team wants people of all skill levels to join them during their Fall and Winter seasons. If you are unsure of finding your ideal team, they will assist you in connecting with welcoming teams with open spots. They meet on Tuesday nights at 6:45 p.m. Click the link here to their Facebook for more information.
Outfront Swingers
OutFront Kalamazoo, a not-for-profit, charitable organization serving the LGBTQ+ and allied community in southwest Michigan, sponsors a softball team called the “OutFront Swingers.” The team, originally named the Metro Magic and sponsored by the Metro night club, has been around since 2010. Following the club’s closure and the rebranding of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center to OutFront Kalamazoo, the team adopted the new name “OutFront Swingers.” Additionally, two community members manage and organize the team, most of whom are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. TracyHall, the director of OutFront Kalamazoo commented, “We typically get a good number of community folks come watch us play, which is really cool. We don’t win much, but we love it”. The team plays Tuesday nights. Click here to the OutFront website. If you want to join the team, contact anyone on the OutFront board of directors to get more information.
Best Damn Sports
VOLLEYBALL
If volleyball is more your speed, sign up for the majority queer team through the Best Damn Sports and Social Club. Their name varies, but this summer they are going by “Dig This”. The league follows 4v4 sand court rules for games in the summer and 6v6 indoor games in the fall/winter. Summer games are on Wednesday nights and typically run on 6 to 8-week sessions depending on player availability. Difficulty levels vary from beginner/social to competitive/expert leagues.The best way to join one of the teams is to reach out to OutFront, as they can connect you with the team. You can also sign up via the Best Damn Social website, Facebook, or by contacting a past team member. Free agents can also register and be placed on a team to get affiliated with the organization.
(Dig This not pictured here, credit to Best Damn Sport and Social Club)
Local LGBTQ sports leagues are more than just places to play and compete; they are vibrant communities that foster inclusivity, support, and friendship. By participating in these leagues, you contribute to a positive and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of sports, regardless of their identity. So lace up your sneakers, join a team, and experience the camaraderie and joy that these leagues have to offer. Together, we can celebrate diversity and promote equality both on and off the field.
Here in Kalamazoo, we aim to be an inclusive destination for all types of people regardless of identities. Explore the Discover Kalamazoo website to find out more about the LGBTQIA+ community.
