Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to stay active and connect with others, LGBTQ+ sports leagues and competitions offer a welcoming and inclusive space for all. After all, we can’t be on the road all the time. We still have to stay active!
Sports have always brought people together, but LGBTQ+ sports leagues provide a safe environment for competition. For many queer folks, mainstream sports leagues can sometimes feel unwelcoming. That’s where queer leagues come in. They are explicitly designed to be inclusive. They focus on creating a positive environment where everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or skill level, can enjoy sports and recreation.
The best part? These leagues are about more than just sports. They’re about community and connection. You don’t have to be a pro to join—many leagues offer opportunities for beginners, recreational players, and those who only want to have fun. Whether you’re into soccer, basketball, softball, or something more unique, there’s likely a league out there that’s perfect for you.
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Sports have the power to break down barriers, but traditionally, they’ve also been spaces where gender norms and expectations can feel particularly rigid. LGBTQ+ leagues actively work to challenge these norms. They create spaces where transgender athletes can compete without fear of exclusion, where gay and lesbian athletes can participate without the need to hide who they are, and where non-binary and gender non-conforming athletes are respected and included.
These leagues often go beyond just sports, organizing social events, fundraisers, and community service projects. This combination of athletic activity and social engagement makes these leagues a fantastic way to stay connected and involved in the community.
Getting Involved
If you’re interested in joining an LGBTQ+ sports league or competition, many options are available. To help you get started, here are five sports leagues and competitions from around the United States:
1. Varsity Gay League (VGL) – Nationwide
Varsity Gay League (VGL) is one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ recreational sports organizations in the country, with leagues in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. VGL offers a variety of sports, including kickball, dodgeball, soccer, and tennis. Their leagues focus on fun, inclusivity, and building community. VGL also hosts national tournaments where teams from different cities compete.
2. Stonewall Sports – Multiple Cities
Stonewall Sports started in Washington, D.C., and has since expanded to several other cities, including Philadelphia, Raleigh, and Columbus. Stonewall offers leagues in sports like kickball, dodgeball, and volleyball. The organization is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can engage in healthy competition and make lasting friendships.
3. The Gay Games – Rotating Locations
The Gay Games is an international multi-sport event that takes place every four years in a different host city. While it’s not a league, it’s one of the most significant LGBTQ+ sports events in the world. The Gay Games are open to all athletes, regardless of sexual orientation or skill level. Participants can compete in sports ranging from swimming to track and field, soccer, and more. The next Gay Games will be held in Valencia, Spain in 2026.
4. Front Runners – Multiple Cities
Front Runners is a global LGBTQ+ running and walking club with over a hundred chapters in cities across the world, including San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle. Whether training for a marathon or just enjoying a casual jog, Front Runners provides a welcoming environment for runners of all levels. Many chapters also host annual races and social events. The group was inspired by Patricia Nell Warren’s groundbreaking book, The Frontrunner, about a gay track star.
5. NAGAAA (North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) – Nationwide
NAGAAA is an LGBTQ+ softball league with member cities across North America. They organize both local leagues and national tournaments, including the annual Gay Softball World Series. NAGAAA’s mission is to provide a safe and competitive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and their allies, promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.
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