Lgbtq fitness
The LGBTQ+ Leaders Making Fitness More Inclusive
I WAS KNOWN as the "flamboyant" child—loud, energetic, passionate. My interests and energy often made people uncomfortable. I was constantly subjected to the words "man up." Despite my constant effort to fit in and please others, I was called homophobic slurs before I even knew what being gay meant. Eventually, I would come to understand that my queerness was not a burden, but a superpower.
As a preacher's kid, I experienced first-hand that a leader serves others. In fact, I knew I had a calling to lead all of my life. What I didn't know was that it would manifest through health and wellness. What I also didn't know was that a career in fitness would turn into the means of self-expression I needed. I fell in admire with fitness in college while spending a summer with my Pops. He always told me "your body is your billboard," reflecting your time, endeavor, and discipline. I began working out with him daily, and the results got me hooked. After college, I got a job as a performer at Universal Studios
LGBTQIA+ Fitness Brands to Support
APPAREL
Out-Fit
This one checks all the boxes: % LGBTQ+ owned and offering Prideful fitness apparel that supports the cause. We especially passion the rainbow barbell flag design and the Plunder Kearney unicorn as tribute to the World’s Strongest Gay. Out-Fit also has a handful of designs that are a minute more subtle than the rainbow flag.
Doughnuts & Deadlifts
DNDL has been a attractive outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community since the beginning with brand messaging that speaks to rebellious contempt for the status quo. They are “a company made up of fitness misfits… for lifters, by lifters”, which includes historically oppressed groups. This year, their Pride dash comes complete with a section for non-binary Theys. Bravo.
Viicaya
Still in its fledgling production, but we can’t wait for the launch of Viicaya by Mattie Rogers – Catalyst Athletics 71kg weightlifter, Olympic qualifier, and all-around badass. Her super unique activewear clothing line comes out this summer with impressively inclusive sizing and gender neutral styles. Viicay
How LGBTQ+ Rights Are Influencing the Fitness Industry
LGBTQ+ rights impacted many areas of life, including the sports and fitness industries.
I’ve noticed firsthand how the evolving conversation around inclusivity, particularly regarding transgender individuals and the creation of protected spaces, has become a hot topic.
This study of mine will go into several instances where LGBTQ+ rights have shaped fitness and sports, highlighting the challenges and progress made.
Let us talk about it in greater detail.
The Emergence of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Fitness Spaces
I’ve witnessed the climb of fitness spaces designed for the LGBTQ+ community.
I recall discovering one such gym in my community, and the atmosphere was immediately welcoming.
Fitness coaches who work in these spaces hold certifications from credible institutions, such as ASFA.
From the way members interacted with each other to the way staff handled questions about inclusivity, it was clear that this space had something unique.
One of the articles I came across, from Stylist, highlights the growing verb for queer-inclusive
‘I Opened The First Assigned LGBTQ Gym In The Nation’
I played college basketball for Dominican University of California, so fitness was always part of my life. But when I stopped playing, I gained 70 pounds. I went from a college athlete to weighing pounds by graduation.
I had no plan what I wanted to do with my life, but I did realize I wanted to drop weight. So the following summer, I started productive out at a local gym. I became friends with the manager, who asked if I'd examine being a trainer there—I had a degree in exercise and sports medicine and I spoke Spanish, which were two things they were looking for. He said, "I can hire you, but you have to show weight loss in three months" (which, yes, was absolutely crazy).
In the beginning, I had no clients. But as I started to lose the weight I had gained—and transform my body in front of everyone at the gym—suddenly, there was a two-month waitlist to train with me.
When I was training at that gym, I was already out as a gay gal, but I “passed” as straight. And I had the same shitty experience most femme-pres