Sports & Recreation
Discover New York City's vibrant LGBTQ+ sports and recreation community
Find Your Team in NYC
New York City boasts one of the world's most diverse and inclusive LGBTQ+ sports scenes, with dozens of organizations catering to all interests, skill levels, and identities. From competitive leagues to recreational groups, there's something for everyone looking to stay active while building community.
Gotham Volleyball
Founded in 1981, Gotham Volleyball is NYC's largest LGBTQ+ sports organization, offering recreational and competitive play for all skill levels.
NY Gay Flag Football
With 18 teams and over 200 members, NYGFL offers spring and fall seasons of inclusive flag football with a player draft system.
NYC Pride Hockey Alliance
Founded in 1999, NYCPHA provides a discrimination-free environment for the LGBTQ+ community to play ice hockey at Chelsea Piers.
Big Apple Softball
Founded in 1977, this historic softball league offers both competitive and recreational divisions with over 600 members.
Pride Basketball NYC
New York's first official basketball league for the LGBTQIA+ community, offering inclusive competitive play for all experience levels.
Big Apple Dodgeball
A high-energy co-ed dodgeball league for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and allies, featuring seasonal tournaments and social events.
Gotham Knights RFC
NYC's inclusive rugby club welcomes players of all orientations and skill levels, with regular practices and social events.
NY Ramblers Soccer
Founded in 1980, the Ramblers are one of America's first openly gay soccer clubs, offering practice, training, and league play.
NY Aquatics Water Polo
TNYA's water polo program offers inclusive training and competition for all skill levels at pools throughout the city.
Village Lions RFC
An LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby club that fields both men's and women's teams in NYC regional competitions and social tournaments.
Big Apple Kickball
A fun, social kickball league for the LGBTQ+ community with seasonal leagues, tournaments, and post-game social gatherings.
Brooklyn Blades
Women's ice hockey club providing an inclusive environment for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.
Front Runners New York
NYC's premier LGBTQ+ running club founded in 1979, with over 1000 members enjoying weekly fun runs and social events.
Team NY Aquatics
The largest LGBTQ+ aquatics team worldwide offers swimming, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming for all abilities.
OutCycling
NYC's LGBTQ+ cycling network offers group rides and training for all levels, plus youth programs through Fearless Flyers.
Metropolitan Tennis Group
Founded in the mid-1980s, MTG offers organized tennis play, social events, and competitions for LGBTQ+ tennis enthusiasts.
CRUX Climbing
An LGBTQ+ rock climbing community that hosts regular meetups at indoor climbing gyms across NYC and outdoor trips.
Metro Wrestling
NYC's gay-friendly freestyle wrestling club for adults, with members competing locally and in international tournaments.
NY Gay Pool League
The country's oldest and largest LGBTQ+ pool league, with weekly matches at venues throughout NYC including Boxers and Stonewall Inn.
Pink Pong Foundation
An LGBTQ+ table tennis organization based in Queens, open to players of all ages and skill levels in a fun, competitive environment.
Trans Boxing
A fitness and self-defense program that creates safe training spaces for the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary community.
Garden State Gay Bowling
An LGBTQ+ bowling organization serving the NYC metro area with leagues and tournaments for all skill levels and abilities.
OutBox Fight Club
LGBTQ+ focused boxing training and fitness in a safe, welcoming environment, offering classes for all experience levels.
Queer Archery League
NYC's inclusive archery organization offering instruction, practice sessions, and competitive events in a supportive environment.
Ski Bums
NYC's LGBTQ+ ski and snowboard club organizes trips to resorts worldwide for all skill levels, with local events in the off-season.
BLAZE Backpacking
A group for gay men in NYC who crave outdoor adventures, specializing in backpacking and backcountry camping trips.
Get Out And Trek
GOAT creates active trips and outdoor adventures for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, challenging the inner athlete while building friendships.
Knickerbocker Sailing
An LGBTQ+ boating club encouraging members who support diversity to enjoy getting out on the waters of greater NYC.
City Cruisers
A gay men's motorcycle club with diverse bike styles, meeting monthly to ride with a motto of "Brotherhood, Loyalty and Pride."
Fast N Fab
New York's LGBTQ+ bicycle club holds weekly rides and social events, including monthly dinners hosted by members at favorite restaurants.
Sundance Outdoor
An LGBTQ+ outdoor adventure group offering hiking, camping, kayaking, and other nature activities for all experience levels.
Gay Outdoors
A national network with a strong NYC presence offering outdoor adventures and social activities for the LGBTQ+ community.
NYC Gaymers
An inclusive gaming community hosting regular meetups, tournaments, and social events for LGBTQ+ gamers and allies in NYC.
OUT-FIT CrossFit
An LGBTQ+ CrossFit group hosting regular workouts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with pride-inspired workout gear available.
Mark Fisher Fitness
Known as "the fitness home for unicorns," MFF offers LGBTQ+-inclusive fitness classes and personal training with a theatrical flair.
Queer Yoga Collective
A community-run organization providing accessible, affirming yoga classes and wellness spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Collab NYC
An LGBTQ-owned wellness collective offering diverse fitness classes, mental health services, and community programming.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Run
A weekly running group focused on physical and mental health for LGBTQ+ individuals, with post-run discussions and peer support.
Pride Moves
LGBTQ+-centered dance fitness classes combining cardio, strength training, and choreography in an inclusive, affirming environment.
Front Runners Pride Run
A landmark 4-mile race in Central Park celebrating LGBTQ+ pride since 1982, with over 10,000 finishers setting a Guinness World Record.
OutCycling Pride Ride
An annual cycling event with routes of varying distances (30, 50, and 65 miles) through New York and New Jersey, celebrating unity in the LGBTQ+ community.
Chelsea Challenge
The NYCPHA's annual LGBTQ+ and ally-friendly ice hockey tournament at Chelsea Piers, now in its 20+ year with partnership from the NHL.
LezVolley
An annual LGBTQ+ beach volleyball tournament on Cherry Grove, Fire Island that welcomes the queer community (excluding cis-men).
NYC LGBT Sports Network Expo
Biannual networking event where over 20 LGBTQ+ sports organizations gather to recruit new members, with opportunities to learn about and join diverse activities.
IGLA Championships
The International Gay & Lesbian Aquatics Championships, hosted periodically in NYC, featuring swimming, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming competitions.
Join the Community
New York City offers one of the world's most vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ sports and recreation scenes. Whether you're looking to compete at a high level or just make friends in a welcoming environment, there's something for everyone.
Most organizations welcome participants of all skill levels and backgrounds. Many have "try it out" sessions or beginner-friendly events to help newcomers get involved.
These organizations not only provide physical fitness but also create valuable social connections and support networks within the community.
Get Involved
- Most groups welcome all skill levels - no experience necessary!
- NYC LGBT Sports Network hosts kickoff events where you can meet representatives from multiple organizations.
- Follow organizations on social media for upcoming events and registration dates.
- Many groups offer spectator events too - support the community even if you don't play!
Ready to Get Active?
Find your team, make new friends, and experience the joy of sports and recreation with NYC's vibrant LGBTQ+ community.