SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Groundbreaking, welcoming and full of camaraderie: all words often associated with sports, can now also describe a new athletic league for LGBTQ+ individuals in Central New York.
OutLoud Sports, the nation’s first recreational sports league for the LGBTQ+ community with a national footprint, has launched a new chapter in Syracuse. While open play began in April, the league’s eight-week, tournament-style kickball season began July 16 at Meachem Park.
The expansion is part of the organization’s broader mission: creating inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can find both competition and community.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to play with us,” said Katie Anna, OutLoud’s Buffalo representative. “It’s community and fun.”
Founded in 2007, OutLoud Sports now serves more than 75,000 athletes in 31 cities. Syracuse joins other New York chapters in Buffalo and Rochester, with plans to introduce additional sports in the future.
Anna said the local chapter’s focus goes beyond athletics.
“It’s about building a chosen family, one game at a time,” she said.
You can register online. The early bird registration fee is $65, and regular registration is $75. There’s only one registration requirement: you must be at least 21 years old.
For more information or to get involved, visit OutLoud Syracuse.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: OutLoud Sports brings inclusive kickball league to Syracuse
Sydney Cuillier: For some kickball isn’t just about competition, it’s visibility. OutLoud Sports an LGBTQ+ recreational sports league, has started a Syracuse chapter. The organization is making space for people often left out of traditional sports through kickball.
Christine Fusco: “We really don’t have anything for our community to do in that aspect”
Sydney Cuillier: League manager Christine Fusco says the chapter gives LGBTQ+ adults an inclusive way to stay active
For pitcher Evan Diem, it’s also about not having to explain who you are on the field.
Evan Diem: “You’re not necessarily going to need to explain your pronouns, you’re not going to have to explain how you look”
Sydney Cuillier: OutLoud Sports plans to expand to other sports by the fall. Diem says the league isn’t just welcomed here in Syracuse, it’s necessary.
Evan Diem: “Let’s make sure that the people who have not had enough like ability to take up space in athletics,get the opportunity to do that.”
Sydney Cuillier: The league’s inaugural kickball season starts Wednesday at Meachem park.
Sydney Cuillier: A new LGBTQ+ league, OutLoud Sports, is helping Syracuse athletes feel seen. Here’s Sydney Cuillier with NCC News.