Gay bars have long been recognised as key spaces for LGBTQ+ communities in Australia. However, the experience can often be overwhelming, with loud music and a focus on alcohol detracting from genuine social connection. This has led many in the younger generation to seek alternatives, with sport emerging as a popular avenue for building community.
Michael Pereira, 34, shares his experiences: “It’s so intimidating to go to a gay bar.” Five years ago, he joined Melbourne Frontrunners, a running club for LGBTQ+ individuals. “People at Frontrunners have quickly become my best friends. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” he reflects. The group meets several times a week and fosters not just fitness but also fresh friendships.
Established over two decades ago, Melbourne Frontrunners embodies a culture of health and connection, with social events and shared breakfast outings after runs often being more popular than the exercise itself. With a rising interest, many clubs across Australia now offer various sports tailored specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, including yoga, hiking, tennis, and more.
In response to discrimination faced in traditional sports, Stella Lesic launched the Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) in 2015. “The majority of participants in mainstream leagues are well-intentioned, but it only takes a couple of people to disrupt inclusion,” she states. With 1,500 members, QSA prioritises enjoyment over competition, welcoming those who may have felt excluded in conventional settings.
Michael Wright of ClimbingQTs, a queer climbing club in Sydney, echoed the same sentiment, stating, “We’re building queer joy.” The club emphasises inclusivity, hosting events tailored to various needs, including those of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Despite progress, issues of discrimination persist and deter participation, particularly among transgender and non-binary individuals. Research by VicHealth highlights that many LGBTQ+ individuals avoid organised sports due to past negative experiences, often rooted in school settings.
Although strides have been made towards inclusion, Beau Newell from Pride in Sport argues that many organisations operate under a façade of inclusivity—believing the environment is safe based on the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership roles. Education is crucial to promote a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
For older LGBTQ+ Australians, the emergence of these inclusive sports clubs brings a sense of nostalgia. Alastair Richards, a long-time member of Frontrunners, wishes such opportunities had been available in his youth.
With the rise of anti-trans sentiment globally, particularly stemming from the US, concerns about potential repercussions in Australia are palpable. Newell warns that active engagement and allyship are essential to counteract discrimination.
As for Lesic, despite acknowledging improvements in her basketball skills over the past decade, she embraces the joy and community her league provides. “I’m still terrible,” she admits with a laugh, “but I’m having fun, and that’s what counts.”