Queer Lifting Club Okanagan
Be Gay. Lift Heavy.
Creating inclusive and accessible community in strength sports.
We’re here for the important conversations, to challenge the status quo, and to make the gender-inclusive world we dream of a reality for all athletes.
Our Founder:
Hi, my name is Natalie.
I’m a queer, chronically ill, strength-sports enthusiast residing on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people.
I started Queer Lifting Club due to a personal need for more inclusivity around strength sports, and a hope that perhaps others shared that same need.
Our group has grown from four at our first meet-up in December, to fourteen as recently as February! The need was real and I am definitely not alone, and neither are you.
My primary goal is to create an accessible and inclusive space for Queer folx to feel empowered lifting heavy shit (whatever that looks like for them), to experience joy in community, and to celebrate one another in a space that fosters safety and encouragement.
Simply put, let’s be absolutely stoked for each other, but in a non-gendered way!
[If you’ve been to a competition, you may have noticed a lot of the “Let’s go boys/girls” commentary. We’re not about that here. People are dope. You are a badass. Gender-affirming language is welcomed, and exclusively binary language is so passé.]
In addition to events, I hope to begin conversations and build a committee to help guide inclusive practices within strength sports communities. If we want practices that include us and honour our existence, we need a seat at the table. I may not know exactly what that looks like, but I am here to figure it out with you.
And lastly, I want to establish a network of inclusive gyms who are proud to stand by what we are doing and to actively do the work to ensure their gym remains a queer-inclusive and safe space.
At the end of the day, I’m an enby with a dream. And it is within community that this dream can become a reality.
Thank you for being part of that community and for your commitment to making this dream come true.
Who We Are:
We’re a group of people who:
Want to lift relatively heavy shit and be super gay doing it (Allies are also welcome);
Are committed to challenging the status quo, and having the conversations necessary to create a more inclusive world around competitive strength sports;
Care deeply about community and creating accessible spaces for Queer folx
There is no experience required and each session will have options for all bodies and experience levels.
Come Lift With Us!
Queer Lifting Club meets monthly on the second Sunday for our lift session followed by brunch at The Clove:
When: 10am - 12pm (Brunch 12:15 - 1:45pm)
Where: Dopamine Strength, Armstrong, BC
What: That part is a surprise! Each month, we curate a themed workout for the group to focus on a different implement or lift. Checkout the calendar below to see what’s next!
Cost: None however for allies and those who have the means, we encourage a donation to help keep this community accessible. Funds will be used to cover event charges where applicable, and also for our pay-it-forward meals for community members to ensure everyone feels welcomed to our post-lift brunch!
You are welcome to attend for the lift, or brunch, or both! Just please RSVP if you plan to come to brunch as we lock in our reservation a week ahead of the event.
Car pool options are available from Salmon Arm, Kelowna, and Vernon.
We also have other events thrown in the mix, so if our regular time doesn’t work for you, not to worry - Something will pop up! Or, you’re welcome to hop into our group chat on Instagram and suggest something for the group! At the end of the day, Queer community is the primary purpose of this space so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place and we are stoked that you found us!
In proud partnership with Dopamine Strength and The Clove, Armstrong B.C.
A message from Braedeen of Dopamine Strength:
Our gym is built on the belief that strength is for everyone.
We are committed to providing an inclusive space where badass individuals from all walks of life can come together to lift heavy, build confidence, and find real community.
The rapid growth of our Queer Lifting Club proves just how needed a space like this is. The hype, the support, and the way this group shows up for one another is unmatched.
To us, this is what strength training is all about: empowerment, belonging, and community.
Thank you Braedeen for hosting our monthly meet-up!
Upcoming Events
Contact Us
Questions, feedback, or want to host an event? We’d love to hear from you!
