As the weather warms up, many find themselves wanting to get outside and moving. Organized sports are a great way to do that, but for many queer people the prospects can be intimidating. As manufactured scandals over queer people in sports dot our news feeds, it can feel difficult to put yourself out there. Leagues founded and run by other queer people provide spaces where aspiring athletes, or simply those looking to get some exercise, don’t have to worry about judgment and rejection. Here are some local groups worth checking out!
Seattle Frontrunners is a local track and running organization affiliated with the International Frontrunners, that hosts regular runs and walks for the whole community. From high-intensity training trail runs, to casual walks through Capitol Hill, right now they host four separate weekly runs. There’s a 7:00 PM nighttime track practice at Roosevelt High School every Tuesday a 6:30 PM wednesday night jaunt through Capitol Hill, ending with a group dinner at a restaurant, a Thursday night set of trail runs through the Arboretum, ranging from 1 to 6 miles and also ending with a dinner out, and finally a Saturday morning set through the Greenlake area. Seattle has had an on-and-off Frontrunners chapter since the 80s, which got their start with the Lesbian Research Center and the Seattle Gay Pride Run. Today they welcome everyone, including allies, and help run the annual Run and Walk With Pride Fundraiser.
Looking for something a little more competitive? Cascade Flag Football manages several teams as part of their regular spring and fall seasons. They welcome all players, regardless of age, orientation, or skill level. Bella Bowman, current commissioner of CFFA said “As a nonbinary trans person, organized sports became intimidating for me when I came out. Cascade welcomed me with open arms to a sport I was never allowed to play growing up. They’ve supported me not only in my football growth but my growth into my identity as well.” In addition to their league teams, they also run several traveling teams; Seattle Boom, a competitive team, the Sprinklez which is all skill levels, and the Seattle Sockeyes, an all-women team, who regularly play in games in the National Gay Flag Football League. Officially partnered with the Seahawks, this league is no joke!
Finally there’s Rain City Soccer Club. Founded in 2000, RCSC runs a number of soccer activities for people to participate in. One of their most important events is their weekly Kickabouts, an opportunity every Sunday for people, regardless of gender, to come play soccer together in friendly scrimmage games. They also host annual tournaments. This year the RCSC is running its tournaments the weekend of May 25th. The friendly tournament is split into competitive and recreational 9v9 games. Also that weekend is the Kicking Out Transphobia match, a scrimmage for genderqueer and nonconforming players to embrace the degendering of sports. Players in the KOTM can access gear like shin guards for free for the match and get a jersey to take home. And the best part is registration for both these tournaments is open right now! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get moving!
