Gay Sydney Sports Clubs | LGBTQIA Guide to Sydney’s Queer Sport
Hiya sporty spice! Get ready to dive into the fabulously inclusive LGBTQIA+ sports scene in Sydney with this guide that’s bursting with all the juicy details on where to find the most fun and welcoming clubs to unleash your inner sports star and make some fabulous friends along the way.
AFL | Newtown Breakaways
The Newtown Breakaways is a men’s and women’s AFL team based in Newtown, Sydney, Australia. Established in 2005, they have become a dominant force in the sport, winning multiple championships and fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity among their players.
Suburb: Marrickville
More info: https://www.newtownbreakaways.com/
Badminton | On The Line
The On The Line group in Western Sydney invites members of the LGBTQI+ Community and allies to join them for games of badminton. They prioritize inclusivity for players of all levels and ensure a fun and enjoyable experience while providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
Suburb:
More info: https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/on-the-line-lgbtqi-social-badminton/
Badminton | Sydney Hotshots
The Sydney Hotshots is an LBGTQ+ social badminton group that aims to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for players of all skill levels, including those with limited experience. They play once a week for two hours in Tempe and prioritize fun and inclusivity over the standard of play.
Suburb: Tempe
More info: https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/Sydney-Hotshots/
Badminton | Sydney Shuttles
Sydney Shuttles Badminton is an organization in Sydney that organises social competitions every Monday night in Botany for LGBTQIA+ players of all ages and skill levels.
Suburb: Botany
More info: https://www.facebook.com/sydneyshuttlesbadminton/
Baseball | Sydney Women’s Baseball League
The Sydney Women’s Baseball League (SWBL) is a longstanding baseball league in the Sydney metropolitan area, established in 1995. It offers a social and LGBTQIA+-inclusive environment, welcoming players of all skill levels and sporting backgrounds, and emphasizing the enjoyment of baseball for everyone.
Suburb: Marrickville
More info: https://www.swbl.org/
Basketball | Queer Sporting Alliance
The Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) is a prominent LGBTIQA+ Basketball club in Australia and New Zealand, with teams located in various cities, including Sydney. Founded in 2015, QSA aims to provide safe spaces for LGBTIQA+ individuals and their allies to participate in community sports, with a particular emphasis on supporting transgender and gender-diverse players. QSA’s mission is to promote inclusivity and create opportunities for those who may have felt disengaged or lacked a safe space to play sports.
Suburb: Glebe
More info: https://www.queersportingalliance.com/
Basketball | Sydney Spectres
Established in 2001, the Sydney Spectres are Australia’s premier competitive LGBTIQ-inclusive basketball club. Their mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTIQ community to play basketball and offer opportunities for players of all skill levels and fitness levels to join their training sessions. They train on Sundays, 11am-12pm, at Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Suburb: Darlington
More info: https://www.spectresaustralia.com/sydney-1 or https://www.facebook.com/sydneyspectres
Bushwalking | Southern Cross Outdoors Group
The Southern Cross Outdoors Group (SCOG) is a Sydney-based not-for-profit association offering outdoor activities for LGBTQI+ individuals and friends. With a focus on bushwalking, the group welcomes all participants, although it has historically attracted gay or bi male members. SCOG organizes regular bushwalks, walks, and occasional events, while membership provides benefits such as voting rights and priority bookings.
Suburb: Sydney and surrounds
More info: https://sites.google.com/site/southerncrossoutdoorsgroup/
Cycling | Sydney Spokes
Sydney Spokes is an LGBTI cycling club in Sydney, offering rides and events for individuals of all fitness levels and cycling experience. Founded in 1986 by Allan Hildon, the club provides a welcoming and inclusive community for gay and lesbian cyclists. With a variety of rides, social events, and participation in activities like the Mardi Gras Parade, Sydney Spokes aims to promote enjoyable cycling experiences, foster camaraderie, and support the interests of LGBTI cyclists.
Suburb: Various Areas
More info: https://www.sydneyspokes.com/index.html
Dance | Lead and Follow
This dance club in Sydney aims to provide an inclusive and enjoyable environment for aspiring dancers of all levels. With leading teachers in Latin, Ballroom, and Jazz styles, they offer classes where participants can choose to lead or follow, promoting gender-neutral dancing. The club emphasizes the benefits of dancing, including physical fitness, mental stimulation, and the opportunity to connect with others, while offering a wide range of dance styles to learn and explore.
Suburb: Erksineville
More info: https://leadandfollow.dance/leadandfollow#aboutleadandfollow
Dragon Boat | Different Strokes Dragon Boat Club
Different Strokes Dragon Boat club offers an opportunity to get fit through an outdoor water sport while building core strength and aerobic stamina. As a competitive club, members undergo fitness testing to set goals and work towards achieving them, racing at regattas in NSW and the Australian Championships. Off the water, the club promotes a fun and social atmosphere, organizing social events, pub nights after training, and participating in the Mardi Gras float march.
Suburb: Rozelle
More info: https://www.differentstrokes.org.au/home/
Soccer | Flying Bats FC
The Flying Bats is a prominent LGBTIQ+ women’s football club that prioritizes inclusivity, health, and community. As the largest lesbian football club globally, they are passionate about sharing the joy of soccer. The club welcomes women of all identities, whether new to the sport or experienced players, fostering a sense of belonging and actively engaging with the Sydney LGBTQ community.
Suburb: Tempe/Ryde
More info: https://www.theflyingbats.com/
Soccer | Sydney Rangers FC
Sydney Rangers FC is Australia’s first and Sydney’s only gay and inclusive men’s soccer club. The club embraces diversity, welcoming players from various backgrounds, races, ages, abilities, and sexualities. With over 100 members and a growing community, they encourage individuals of all skill levels to join and actively participate in their inclusive and supportive environment.
Suburb: Canterbury
More info: https://sydneyrangersfc.com.au/
Golf | Rainbow Golfers
Rainbow Golfers is an LGBTQIA+-friendly golf club based in Sydney, providing an inclusive and welcoming space for golf enthusiasts of all sexual orientations and gender identities. They strive to create a supportive community where members can enjoy the game of golf while fostering diversity and acceptance.
Suburb: Various
More info: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rainbow-Golfers-Sydney-Lgbtqi-Golf-Group-100064156742181/
Hockey | Bentstix Hockey Club
Bentstix Hockey Club is Sydney’s only LGBTQIA+ hockey club, established during the 1996 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. With over 140 members, the club features multiple men’s and women’s teams competing in Sydney leagues, social games, and international tournaments, including a victorious win at the 2018 Gay Games in Paris. Their mission is to provide an inclusive and friendly environment, welcoming new members who are passionate about hockey, fitness, and building connections.
Suburb: Kyeemagh
More info: https://www.bentstix.com.au/
Ice Hockey | Harbour Lights Ice Hockey
Harbour Lights is New South Wales’ inaugural LGBTQI+ ice hockey club, founded in 2021 in Sydney as part of Australian LGBT Ice Hockey. The club welcomes individuals of all sexual orientations, genders, and allies of the queer community, creating an accepting and supportive environment for all.
Suburb: Alexandria
More info: https://harbourlightsicehockey.com/
Martial Arts | GLMA Newtown Martial Arts
Newtown Martial Arts is a club in Sydney’s inner west and CBD that promotes Martial Arts values of personal growth, safety, and skill development. They offer a flexible syllabus combining kung fu, kickboxing, and karate, allowing students to compete and learn self-defense techniques. With gradings and a range of courses, including a 4-week kickboxing program, the club caters to individuals interested in long-term study and offers opportunities for mainstream and LGBTQI+ martial arts competitions.
Suburb: Newtown
More info: https://www.glmartialarts.com.au/
Netball | Surry Hills Netball Club
The Surry Hills Netball Club welcomes new players and provides options for joining the team or being placed on a waitlist for the next season. They have 6 teams participating in the Parklands Netball competition, with games scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Membership fees include access to social events and opportunities to sub for other teams within the club.
Suburb: Moore Park
More info: https://sites.google.com/site/surryhillsnetballclub/
Rugby | Sydney Convicts
The Sydney Convicts is Australia’s pioneering gay and inclusive Rugby Union club, established in 2004. They actively contribute to the LGBTIQ+ and NSW Rugby Union communities, advocating for anti-homophobia in sports. The Convicts train and compete at their home ground in Rose Bay, Sydney, in collaboration with the Woollahra Colleagues RFC.
Suburb: Rose Bay
More info: https://sydneyconvicts.org/
Running | Sydney Frontrunners
Sydney Frontrunners is a community-oriented organization that supports and encourages LGBTIQ+ individuals and their friends to participate in running and walking activities. They welcome people of all running abilities, including walkers, and offer a range of events suitable for various interests and goals, from leisurely runs to fun-runs, trail runs, and marathons. Their primary Saturday run/walking sessions and midweek runs cater to diverse preferences and fitness levels.
Suburb: Various locations
More info: https://www.sydneyfrontrunners.org/home/
Softball | Sydney Outfielders Softball League
The Outfielders is an LGBTQIA+ slow-pitch softball league in Sydney. They embrace players of all ages, genders, orientations, and skill levels, providing a welcoming and social environment for individuals to enjoy the sport, make new friends, learn new skills, and have fun outdoors. Their season spans from October to March.
Suburb: Moore Park
More info: https://www.sydneyoutfielders.org.au/
Squash | Rainbow Racquets Sydney
The Rainbow Racquets Squash Club, affiliated with Squash Australia, is dedicated to creating a healthy and inclusive sporting environment for LGBTIQ+ athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, staff, and supporters. By fostering a welcoming and respectful atmosphere both on and off the court, the club ensures that squash is a game for all. Join the Rainbow Racquets Squash Sydney sessions at Sydney University Sports and Aquatic Centre on Wednesdays from 7-8.30pm and Saturdays from 10-11.30am to be a part of this supportive community and enjoy the sport of squash.
Suburb: Camperdown
More info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gsquash/ & https://www.facebook.com/RainbowRacquetsSquashSydney
Surf Life Saving | Lifesavers with Pride
Lifesavers with Pride (LWP) is an alliance representing same-sex attracted and gender-diverse surf lifesavers in Australia. They advocate for a welcoming and inclusive culture within Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and surf clubs nationwide, promoting safety and pride for all members regardless of gender or sexuality. Since their formation in 2006/07, LWP has participated in rainbow events across the country and has grown to over 1,450 members from various Australian clubs and international locations, fostering an inclusive lifesaving community.
Suburb: Various
More info: https://www.lifesaverswithpride.com.au/
Surfing | Gay Surfers
GaySurfers.net is the pioneering online community for gay and lesbian surfers, offering a platform to connect with fellow surfers locally and globally. With free membership, you gain unrestricted access to forums, chat, and events, enabling you to participate in local surf events or organize surf trips with like-minded individuals. Join the community, engage with surfers who share your interests, and dive into the world of surfing.
Suburb: Various
More info: https://www.gaysurfers.net/
Swimming | Wett Ones Sydney
Wett Ones Swimming Club is the largest Masters Swimming Australia-affiliated swimming club in Australia, providing a safe, friendly, and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in Sydney. With over 180 members, it is the largest gay and lesbian swimming club in the country outside of North America and Europe, offering professional coaching, competitive events, and social activities. As a proud member of Team Sydney, IGLA, the Gay Games Federation, and Masters Swimming Australia, Wett Ones promotes a healthy lifestyle, inclusivity, fair competition, and camaraderie among its members and supporters.
Suburb: Inner Sydney
More info: https://www.wettones.org/
Ten Pin Bowling | Sydney Rams Ten Pin Bowling Club
Sydney Rams, established in 1983, is a prominent bowling league catering to the gay community and has gained recognition as one of Australia’s leading leagues. With a strong emphasis on both competition and social activities, the league organizes various events such as picnics, bus trips, and a popular charity bingo night. The league’s handicap system ensures that players of all skill levels have an equal opportunity to succeed, fostering inclusivity and creating a level playing field. Sydney Rams welcomes individuals of any gender or sexuality, making it an ideal choice for those considering joining a bowling league.
Suburb: Alexandria
More info: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyRAmsTenpinBowling/
Tennis | Tennis Sydney
Tennis Sydney strives to become the world’s leading LGBTQIA+ sports club, fostering an inclusive and diverse community centred around competitive tennis and promoting mental and physical well-being. As Australia’s largest LGBTQIA+ tennis club, they aim to advance the standards of tennis in Sydney and beyond, embracing players of all levels, backgrounds, and identities. Committed to inclusivity and zero tolerance for discrimination, Tennis Sydney promotes and facilitates inclusive tennis across Australia.
Suburb: Darlinghurst
More info: https://www.tennissydney.org.au/
Volleyball | Freezone Volleyball Club
Freezone Volleyball Club is a welcoming adult club in Sydney that caters to the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. They provide a social and inclusive environment for individuals to participate in volleyball, promoting physical fitness and team participation. The club organizes training sessions, tournaments, and social events, encouraging both recreational players and social volleyballers to enjoy the game while meeting new people.
Suburb: Various locations
More info: https://www.freezonevolleyball.club/home/
Water Polo | Sydney Stingers
The Sydney Stingers is an inclusive water polo club in Sydney, Australia, catering to the LGBTIQ+ community. They participate in both the NSW metropolitan competition and an internal social competition called INTRA. Their mission is to provide a safe and friendly environment for players of all skill levels, emphasizing strong swimming abilities and endurance. The Stingers engage in regular training sessions and also organize social and fundraising events, including participation in the Mardi Gras parade.
Suburb: Ryde & Zetland
More info: https://www.sydneystingers.org.au/#meet
Wrestling | Sydney Silverbacks Wrestling Club
The Sydney Silverbacks Wrestling Club is an inclusive LGBTQI and straight-friendly community sporting club in Sydney, specializing in Freestyle wrestling. They offer weekly training sessions, workshops, and participate in national and international competitions. All ages and genders are welcome to join their Friday night training sessions, and new members can enjoy three free sessions.
Suburb: Kings Cross
More info: https://www.sydneysilverbacks.com/
Yoga | Body Curious
Body Curious is a welcoming studio located in Potts Point, Sydney, offering a variety of services including Yoga, Massage, Bodywork, and Sexological Bodywork for men. They provide both naked and clothed classes in small group and private sessions, accommodating individuals of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. The studio prioritizes the health and safety of their clients, with qualified practitioners who encourage clients to work within their personal comfort and ability.
Suburb: Potts Point
More info: https://bodycurious.com/
In conclusion, Sydney offers a vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA sports scene that welcomes individuals from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking to join a team, improve your skills, or simply have fun and make new friends, there are numerous inclusive sporting clubs and events to explore. From rugby and netball to swimming and volleyball, Sydney embraces the spirit of inclusion, creating a supportive and empowering environment for everyone to enjoy sports and celebrate their authentic selves. So dive in, get active, and embrace the joy of LGBTQIA sports in Sydney!
