Lansing Welcomes LGBTQIA+ Athletes

The sports scene in Lansing, Michigan strives for inclusivity, offering a vibrant community for athletes of all backgrounds. Here, LGBTQIA+ athletes will find a variety of leagues and organizations fostering a safe and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the thrill of competition. Here are a few local organizations to check out!

GAAY Sports

LGBTQIA+ athletes looking for social and competitive sports leagues in a welcoming atmosphere will find just that with GAAY Sports. The organization offers several leagues, including axe throwing, dodgeball, bowling, sand volleyball, and shuffleboard leagues at Lansing Shuffle. 

GAAY Sports is all about providing a safe space for all people to enjoy athletic competitions, "regardless of one's race, color, religions (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or athletic ability."

Lansing Roller Derby

Lansing Roller Derby, a women's flat track league, welcomes cisgender women, transgender women, intersex women, and "gender expansive individuals if women’s flat track roller derby is the version and composition of roller derby with which they most closely identify."

Looking to lace up skates and join this dynamic sport? Lansing Roller Derby provides a supportive environment to learn, build confidence, and experience the camaraderie of roller derby.

No-Sting Dodgeball 

The National Dodgeball Association recently partnered with the No-Sting Dodgeball Association to create a platform for competitive dodgeball specifically for women and nonbinary athletes in a no-sting environment. 

The first event in the Lansing area took play in May near East Lansing, with more summer events happening throughout the Midwest. Keep track of upcoming events on their Facebook page. 

More Than Just a Game

These are just a few examples of how Lansing embraces inclusivity in sports. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, Lansing has a welcoming environment for you to try something new. Here, sports are about building connections, fostering community, and celebrating the diversity that makes our city vibrant.

Here in Greater Lansing we strive to be a safe and welcoming destination for ALL. Discover resources and more information about the region's LGBTQIA+ community on Choose Lansing's website.

Looking to plan your own event or tournament, or to get connected with any of these organizations? Connect with our team to see how we can help!