ATHLETE ARCHIVE

Hear about the program from our past OUTAthletes

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  • “My name is Logan and I am a transgender athlete. Since joining the OUTAthlete program, it has helped me in my fitness journey and career immensely. I gratefully attribute my success in the Crossfit community in the last 3 and a half years to The OUT Foundation.

    During my first year as an OUTAthlete, I was able to get my L1 (CrossFit certificate) sponsored with the help of The OUT Foundation and CrossFit HQ. Thanks to that partnership, I was able to start my career as a CrossFit Coach; Something that was previously unachievable for me due to financial hardships. Since completing that certification, I have found pride and purpose in motivating other athletes to become better versions of themselves, especially other LGBTQIA+ athletes. This year, as a Mentor in the OUTAthlete program, I have had continued success in connecting with other LGBTQIA+ athletes around the country who also love CrossFit and functional fitness. Seeing other’s experiences and wins has always been so inspiring to my own fitness journey! The OUT Foundation has been extremely supportive of me as an athlete and as a coach. I’m glad to say that with their help, I was able to find my path in creating and fostering safe spaces for queer athletes in my community.”

  • “Prior to applying to be an OUTAthlete, I was on a mission to start taking better care of myself—managing my stress, learning to cook healthier meals, and exercising regularly. While I was able to find an excellent support system to assist my stress management and cooking endeavors, I struggled with where to start on my fitness journey. I knew I wanted to improve my strength and endurance, but when I tried researching what kinds of exercise were best, I was overwhelmed and confused. Being a part of OUTAthlete helped me to narrow my goals and figure out what I was looking for in my fitness journey.

    I started this program as someone who could barely do five pushups and lift 25 lbs over my head. Now, I can do fifteen pushups at a time, lift over fifty pounds, and even run a steady 800 meters. My current goals include being able to do a strict pull-up, run a mile in less than 10 minutes, and strengthen my hip flexors. My mentality about my physical health used to be “I’m just not good at this.” However, now I look at my struggle to do an exercise or movement and think “everyone has weaknesses; this is just one I need to do more work on.

    In the past, when I had difficulties, it was hard to reach out to others, but I don’t feel this way about OUTAthlete. I know I can reach out to this inclusive and amazing group of people to get their insight and experiences. With the support and knowledge of other OUTAthletes, I’ve learned to be patient with my progress and celebrate each milestone. I always feel welcomed, and now I have a stronger desire to be a more vocal part of our community.”

  • “Hi Queer Family, my name is Whitley, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I identify as a Lesbian. I am a new OUTAthlete for 2023 and so far it has been an amazing experience. I appreciate the community, support from the staff and other OUTAthletes, the networking, partnerships with inclusive/ally fitness spaces, inclusive nutrition coaching, wellness, monthly presentations on various topics, and self-care advice. The program provides you with everything you need and are seeking in a fitness community. The monthly presentations are one of my favorite things to do in the OUTAthlete program. I learn something new from each different presenter and can connect with other athletes in the program.

    This foundation and program have a special place in my heart, and have made an impact on my life (as well as the other OUTAthletes). Before the program, I was struggling mentally and physically. I always wanted to find a queer community in the fitness space and wanted to get involved. Luckily, I found the OUTAthlete program and it has helped my fitness and life journey. I have made connections within the community across the States. I can connect with others like me and talk about challenges we may have in fitness spaces, life, or learn new things within the community. The genuine love and support from the other OUT Athletes has really given me the confidence to hit the gym more and celebrate myself. I’ve become a better person from this program and I can better serve my community to be the representation I never had.

    The OUT Foundation supports their athletes and will make you feel proud, safe, and comfortable in your own skin. They will also help you set and reach goals that you may have set for yourself within your personal life or in the fitness space. The OUT Foundation provides opportunities not only for you to receive support, but for you to give back and share your story. Thank you, The OUT Foundation, for everything that you do for the LGBTQ+ community.”

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  • “Being an OUTAthlete for 2023 has absolutely been the best experience of the year. While I’ve always known my gym as kind & respectful towards all people, there is always the question of “will they still accept me after knowing this information about me?”. As someone that is in a heterosexual presenting relationship, the fears of experiencing biphobia from both my gym and the queer community are real. I am so thankful that my gym has truly embraced me, my identities, and wants to make the space more inclusive. Those conversations wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t applied to be an OUTAthlete.

    The OUT Foundation and OUTAthlete program focuses on community- but also on helping you, as an individual, thrive. The community is there to cheer on your successes in and out of the gym, as well as provide support when life happens and things get really hard. I recently graduated from my masters program, and I know I would have derailed from my wellness and self care practices if I didn’t have the constant support and encouragement from the community.

    The OUTAthlete program is so special and provides so many opportunities for queer folks. Coming out can be scary, but now more than ever, we need queer visibility of all types in all spaces, especially gym spaces. I am beyond grateful for this program and can’t wait to continue to thrive in this community.”

  • “Spike, a proud Brooklynite, originally hailed from the Poconos of Pennsylvania. It was there where he spent most of his time surrounded by oak trees and whistling creeks as he wrote stories and poems. Writing has always been a form of self expression for him.

    When he didn’t have words, he had composure and discipline. Both traits that he learned from his parents who practiced martial arts. It wasn’t long after he could walk where he would be following in his parents footsteps. With his father as a black belt, and mother with her purple in taekwondo, Spike knew he had big shoes to fill to continue the bada** legacy of his family.

    Unfortunately and due to financial struggles, Spike’s martial arts journey was cut short and shelved for many years; Only for him to be left to vicariously live through Jet Lee and Jackie Chan films. That was until he discovered The OUT Foundation. Thanks to this nonprofit, he has been able to practice Muay Thai in Bushwick Brooklyn amongst the LGBTQ+ community.

    Spike hopes to encourage strength and self confidence through Martial Arts within the LGBTQ+ community by showing examples of discipline, peace, and dedication to accomplish one’s desires no matter how off track the road seems to bring you.”

  • “I’m just finishing up my third year in a PhD program and, like in many STEM academic settings where the culture is focused on how overworked you are, mental health and self-care aren’t necessarily pushed as priorities. In my first year, I was really struggling, not only because of the high academic pressure I was under, but also because I was finally starting to understand my sexuality and come out to my friends.

    Thankfully, I found a couple of outlets in CrossFit and rugby where I could not only take my mind off of my school work and de-stress, but also start to find a community. While these were really helping me, there was still a lot of guilt that I had to overcome that was brought on by spending time doing anything other than academic work. It also felt like some people didn’t understand just how important these sports were to me and how much effort I was putting into them. Becoming an OUTAthlete has acted as tangible proof of the effort I have continued to put in. Since joining the OUTAthlete program, I have been supported through so many of my goals surrounding CrossFit, not only by the people running the program and the resources they provide, but also through my fellow OUTAthletes. I have been able to improve upon my nutrition and performance in the gym at the same time as this community of queer athletes who are all going through the same thing, which has been amazing. In this community, I am able to celebrate my wins and also those of my peers as we keep progressing.”

  • “Being a part of The OUT Foundation’s OUTAthlete program has been a life-changing experience.

    In the past, I often struggled to express my sexuality openly in all areas of my life. Growing up in a religious environment, I spent years hiding and suppressing who I was. The fear of rejection and disappointing my loved ones kept me hidden. Even after coming out, I still found myself questioning where I belonged.

    Since becoming an OUTAthlete, I have embarked on a new journey of self-acceptance. This community is filled with individuals who understand what it takes to be true to ourselves even in the face of being judged or misunderstood. Being surrounded by people who have walked a similar path has allowed me to feel empowered while I practice openly embracing my identity wherever I go.

    This program has also taught me the importance of showing up for myself. Every week, I head to the gym and lift heavy weights! Regardless of how I’m feeling or what challenges I may be facing, every workout leaves me feeling strong. The physical strength I gain translates into mental and emotional resilience, allowing me to be powerful in all aspects of my life.

    Ultimately, the OUTAthlete program has been a profound catalyst for my personal growth and self-discovery. It has allowed me to break free from the constraints of fear and embrace my identity with confidence. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and for all of the unwavering support, accountability, and love I have received.”

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  • “I’ve always been someone that isn’t afraid of the spotlight. It’s never been about being the center of attention, but about having the most fun I could possibly have. It’s about being happy. I’ve always had it easy, but in 2019 life hit everyone pretty hard. Yup the C word. COVID! For my family there was another C word looming in the shadows… CANCER! Unfortunately, my mom was diagnosed with cancer that year and in October of 2020 she passed away. Before my mom passed away, I applied to be an athlete with The OUT Foundation. I had completely forgotten I even applied when I got the email that I was accepted into the program. I was in a deep hole of depression in December 2020. The OUT Foundation helped me climb out of that hole by giving me the opportunity to be an OUTAthlete. I was able to go to the gym, socialize, and sweat! I’m not the same person I was before The OUT Foundation. I’m a little scared of the spotlight now, but I do my best to put myself out there. If it weren’t for this program, I truly don’t know where I’d be. Everyday is a struggle- but I’m closer to happiness with the family that has been built with this program.”

  • “I am a full-time PhD student and part-time worker, and for me that means that I have been working extremely hard every single day, but taking no time for myself. The OUT Foundation has really helped me take a step back and look at the things that I value most in life and make sure that I’m centering those things as much as I center my work.

    I sought this program in hopes of being able to find a way to reintegrate exercise back into my day to day as an investment into my mental health and wellness. Lifting has always been a practice of wellness for me, and boxing has always been a practice of discipline. In everything that I do, I work very hard. I think the OUTAthlete program has helped me to look at my hardwork and actually take the time to enjoy what good it brings me. Sometimes it is very easy to keep pushing through, particularly for BIPOC queer folks, but we do need to be able to take a second to find joy in our accomplishments, communities, and in ourselves sometimes.”

  • “I’ve become more happy and strong through the OUT program. I never thought that I would turn into such a gym rat.

    I used to feel like an imposter stepping into the gym. The sea of confident, fit bodies intimidated me. I was always second-guessing, worrying if I was using the equipment correctly, or if I was even wearing the right clothes. Imposter syndrome was my constant companion. But the OUTAthlete program helped me see past these insecurities and showed me that everyone starts somewhere (and that every expert was once a beginner).

    My fitness journey led me to United Barbell, and I couldn’t be happier about it. My daily routine now includes lifting weights, but it’s not just about growing physically stronger. It’s about the sense of achievement, the personal growth, the inner strength that comes from pushing your limits, setting goals, and smashing them. The OUT Foundation has also given me great nutrition counseling with expert coach Mike Molly at M2 fitness.

    Before joining OUTAthlete, a lot of this felt inaccessible to me. First, going to a crossfit box is super expensive, especially in an expensive city like San Francisco. Secondly, gyms don’t feel safe for a lot of queer people. I had tried in the past to go to a CrossFit gym, but it felt very straight and macho. I didn’t feel welcome when I saw the MAGA hats in the CrossFit box I tried before. Now I feel very safe and comfortable sharing my queer experience and challenges that we’ve all faced at some point.

    I’m thankful every day that I can do this because of The OUT Foundation.”

  • “Being part of the OUTAthlete program has provided me with incredible support at a time where my health and wellness have become such central aspects of my life. Engaging in fitness activities— particularly CrossFit and soccer— have become such sources of joy for me, not only as great ways to stay healthy, but also in finding vibrant communities of love and support. Some of the closest friends I have now, I’ve met through these communities. And even more personally, access to regular exercise through the OUTAthlete program has equipped me with an important tool that has helped me cope with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.

    As someone who loves sports and fitness, but always felt like an outsider or that I didn’t belong because of who I am as a queer AAPI man, being an OUTAthlete has helped me grow in so many ways not only as an athlete, but as a human. I’ve been inspired by the mentorship and support of my fellow OUTAthletes, which has helped build up my confidence enough to compete at my first local CrossFit competition — and pushed me to continue challenging myself to expand beyond my comfort zone and grow in and outside of the gym.

    I’m incredibly grateful to be an OUTAthlete and am inspired to help other LGBTQ+ folks like me see themselves for the amazing athletes and humans they truly are.”

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  • “Leesh (they/them) is a long-distance road runner and a proud participant in the OUT Foundation’s OUT Athlete program. Outside of the program, Leesh is a researcher with a focus on LGBTQ+ health through Columbia University, the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and the Queer Running Society. With a desire to create a brighter future for queer and trans folks, Leesh is committed to advancing the understanding of LGBTQ+ health issues and improving access to resources for LGBTQ+ athletes. Through their work and advocacy, Leesh is determined to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all LGBTQ+ athletes. The OUT Foundation’s OUTAthlete program has been a transformative experience and has had a profound impact on their fitness journey, providing them with a sense of community, comfort in the gym, resources to continue their advocacy, and enhanced strength and safety as a runner.

    Through the OUTAthlete program, Leesh found a supportive and inclusive community in their neighborhood. Connecting with like-minded individuals who shared their passion for movement, they discovered a safe space where they could push themselves and be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. The OUTAthlete program empowered Leesh to overcome any anxieties they had about fitness spaces. Through workshops, mentorship, and a strong support network, they gained the confidence to pursue their fitness goals authentically. At their “home” gym, they emphasize injury prevention and safety. Leesh learned proper training techniques, received expert advice, and developed the tools to stay strong and resilient while minimizing the risk of harm. This knowledge ensured their physical well-being and provided the confidence to continue their fitness journey.

    With the OUTAthlete program, Leesh has been embracing their body’s capabilities and pushing their boundaries. This newfound versatility empowered them to thrive in different physical expressions. As a lifelong runner, Leesh discovered the profound impact of strength training through the program. Lifting became a pivotal part of their routine, enhancing their running performance significantly. The combination of cardio endurance and increased muscular strength propelled them to new personal bests and allowed them to conquer challenging distances with greater ease (and without injury). Leesh developed the necessary muscular support and stability to withstand the demands of long-distance running. The increased strength in their core, legs, and upper body provided a solid foundation, minimizing the risk of running-related injuries and ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience. With the support of the OUTAthlete program, Leesh has struck a perfect balance between their love for running and the benefits of strength training. This symbiotic relationship has made them a stronger, more resilient athlete, while also ensuring their safety and confidence as a runner.

    Today, Leesh continues to embrace the transformative power of lifting and running. They hope to inspire others with their dedication and determination, showing that a multifaceted approach to fitness can lead to incredible growth and achievements. Through their journey, Leesh hopes to embody the spirit of the OUTAthlete program and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting environment in the world of sports and fitness.”

  • “The OUT Foundation has been monumental for me. I recently moved over halfway across the country- from NY to CO. It was the biggest change I had ever made in my life. I grew up in NY, went to college in NY, and stayed there after I graduated. All my vacations have been on the east coast, and my summer days were all spent on the beach. I traded that to take a chance at life in the mountains.

    Growing up, I had always been part of a team. It started with softball, evolved into marching band, then tennis. In college it was all of my rugby friends. Even after college, I joined my local adult rugby league. I was lucky- my spaces were always surrounded by other queer people. The hardest part of coming out was coming out to myself. After I finally understood my sexual orientation, coming out to everyone else was easy. I was accepted.

    But moving out to Colorado was going to be different. I was moving in with my partner, and I was moving away from all of my friends. And making friends as an adult- as we all know- isn’t easy. There’s no little league to join with a bunch of other kids. There are no classrooms full of study groups. There are no clubs that meet in the common area of your dorm room. There’s no time- life gets swallowed up by work, chores, and catching up on rest when both of those are done. So, I knew when I moved that the hardest thing for me would be socializing. I’m pretty shy, I always have been. I’m not the one to walk into a group of people without my heart rate spiking just a bit. Big groups of strangers make me nervous. How would I meet people in a new place?

    That’s where The OUT Foundation came in. I applied before I moved, hoping that being a part of something bigger would help me adjust to all the changes in my life. It would give me accountability, a place where I belong, and goals to achieve- with a means to achieve them. It would also give me a sense of community. Knowing that The OUT Foundation partners with gyms that proudly support my community gave me comfort that no matter where I ended up, there’d be nothing threatening about it. And months later, I have never questioned that.

    I got placed with Movement Gyms- a climbing focused gym that’s so much more than climbing. The coaches at the fitness classes are extremely friendly. They’re always welcoming, whether it’s a climbing class, yoga, HITT, or mobility. Obviously, no one is great at everything, and the coaches do such a great job at making sure that even if what we’re doing isn’t what you’re best at-or even what you’re good at- that it doesn’t deter you from trying. Never have I felt judged by a coach or other athletes in the gym.

    And it helps that I got paired with a fellow OutAthlete. Lukas (he/they) is an incredible athlete, and a great friend. Having him as a resource and gym partner has made my experience with The OUT Foundation just that much better.

    With my time at movement gyms, I’ve made so many friends that I go climbing with every single week. We’ll go to the gym, grab dinner, and catch a baseball game. I’ve become great friends with so many people, and I owe it all to The OUT Foundation. I’m not sure that I ever would have entered a rock climbing gym if it wasn’t for this organization.

    Every OutAthlete is incredibly supportive. Even though there’s no way I could ever meet them all in person, I have no doubt in my mind that I could get along with each and every one of them. I’ve made so much progress as an athlete, and they’re there for every part of it; From sharing nutrition hacks, to congratulating me on my first pull up. Even though they’re not physically with me in CO, they’re the greatest sense of community and support I have.

    I look forward to spending the rest of the year growing with them, getting stronger with them, and feeling better with them, because of The OUT Foundation.”

  • “I am Lizeth Martinez , a mental health therapist and a current OUTAthlete for the year 2023.

    Reflecting on my movement habits from last year, I am amazed at how much that has changed in these few months. I hardly engaged in any exercise after my last marathon in March 2022, and had little motivation to get any type of movement thereafter. I always left movement for later. I also used to be a person who loved sleeping through the morning, and now I am taking a lot of pride in sharing that I am able to wake up early in the morning to make it to the gym now, with such ease and great enthusiasm! This has drastically, in a very positive way, changed the way I get through the day. I feel waking up early to go to the gym has filled me with a lot of energy throughout the day. I love waking up during sunrise to get a workout now.

    I have also recently reflected on how much more mindful I am of my eating habits. It is a long road ahead still, but I am making small changes each day. One very important thing I noticed has been my cravings for alcohol have tremendously decreased; I am also able to reject any drinks and be okay with that.

    Socially, I have always been a quiet person, but in these last few months, I have met an amazing group of individuals, not only through The OUT Foundation program, but also at the gym. I would not say I am a social butterfly now, but I am definitely comfortable being out of my comfort zone.

    This program, in only 5 months, has supported and encouraged me to be okay with who I am as an LGBTQ+ individual, has helped me find myself, accept myself, but most importantly love myself. I am growing more comfortable in being who I am, and that is thanks to the support of this amazing program and mentors who hold all of us strong.”

  • “My name is Santy and I am a part of the 22/23 cohort with The OUT Foundation!

    This has been such a wonderful journey thus far. I’m learning more and more about myself, such as my capacity to do more and push boundaries I never thought I could push. That includes the physical aspect of fitness and movement, but also my mental capacity to do hard things, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

    I’ve also met some incredible humans through The OUT Foundation. I’ve met up with someone in my city, and that was an experience I got to do because of the connections that are fostered within this community. I find it so beautiful to connect with my community and extend that connection with people I’m meeting inside The OUT Foundation community, too.

    Some things I struggle with are what goes into my body in terms of nutrition, being aware of my relationship to food, and creating healthy boundaries. Being a part of the M2 performance nutrition plan has helped to sharpen those tools for myself. I get to hold myself accountable and also create a space to make mistakes and have hiccups without judgment. It’s sort of an all-encompassing experience that hits all the areas I’ve been wanting to improve and become more well-rounded.”

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  • “For me, it started on a whim. That might sound underwhelming to some, but a whim, for me, is the arrow pointing me to a life-changing opportunity. To start, CrossFit should have been the furthest thing from my radar. The closest that I ever got to calling myself an athlete was in the marching band! How I ended up an OUTAthlete is really anyone’s guess. But don’t get me wrong, I’m taking it in stride. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my funny relationship with whims, it’s that you don’t need to check a box to own a good opportunity.

    The first day at my gym was surreal. Any prior experiences I have with gyms started and ended in high school. To my relief, I was welcomed with open arms. I could count on my coaches – Jenn, Dennis, Mark, Kelly, and Mike – to lead me through every step. I felt right at home. It was after I got accustomed to my new workout schedule and my commute that the challenge really began. See, the thing about whims and opportunities is that they can only get you through the door. Bask in it for a while, but then it’s time to do the heavy lifting.

    My anxiety began to roll in, hot. “Am I really supposed to be here? Am I really giving them my best performance possible? Will I be able to keep up today?” When taking a chance on something I’ve never tried before, anxiety will find a thousand ways to call me out as an imposter. The incredible thing about starting CrossFit was learning how to work with that voice. As much as my fear and my ego try to protect me, I had to realize that I could communicate with myself in better ways: “This challenge is scary. That isn’t a sign to give up. You are capable of getting through it”.

    The OUT Foundation, my fellow OUTAthletes, and my CrossFit community helped me find courage and self-determination that I never knew I had in me. Even without the athletic insecurities, society makes it hard enough to navigate as a queer, person of color. It is a very trying time for our community as a whole. It makes programs like OUTAthletics all the more significant. Together, we can assert our every right to be a part of athletic spaces. There is no need to check a box. We are not imposters. We belong, and therefore, the opportunity is already ours.”

  • “I am a transgender author, educator, and activist who grew up in rural Maryland and later received both my BS and M.Ed. from The University of Vermont. I am currently pursuing PhD education studies at UC San Diego, where my work focuses on equity policy, investigating and supporting gender identity development in early childhood, and helping educators to create queer and trans affirming curriculum and classrooms. I am a sought after public speaker, guest lecturer, and consultant on issues of gender diversity. I serve as a national facilitator with Welcoming Schools, a Board Member for Trans Youth Liberation, and a youth mentor at San Diego Pride. I have collaborated with The National Center for Transgender Equality, Planned Parenthood, Gender Odyssey, Bernie Sanders’ office, and other organizations, and have been published in diverse outlets including multiple books, several academic journals, HuffPost, NPR, and more.

    Outside of my academic and activist work, I have the privilege of being an OUTAthlete with The OUT Foundation! I have been an elite athlete my entire life, training with the soccer Olympic Development Program and winning multiple state championship rings as a softball player. Although I always felt like I had to keep my queerness a secret, sports were my entire life. Later, when I began my transition, I was no longer welcome to play. No matter what I did, even trying to play intramural sports, I wasn’t considered “girl enough” or “man enough” to play. Eventually, I gave up trying to participate at all and felt like I completely lost my sense of self. I forced myself to accept that exercise and athletics would be a solo endeavor as a transgender man. I started to weight train and snowboard, but it never felt the same as being part of a team and competing.

    I eventually moved to San Diego to pursue my PhD and we ended up living in an awesome queer neighborhood. We would occasionally walk by a gym that had multiple Pride flags out front, something I had never seen before. It turned out to be a CrossFit gym. I had never done CrossFit before, and had been out of a gym for over two years because of COVID, but before I lost my nerve I decided to walk in one day. I was hooked and soon applied to be an OUTAthlete, and the rest is history! The OUT Foundation has given me an incredible sense of queer athletic community, more confidence in myself as a trans athlete, and accountability to continue challenging myself. In less than a year I have gone from knowing nothing about the sport of CrossFit to crushing all of my PRs, competing in two competitions, and even being a model athlete for RXSG’s Pride campaign! I love the sense of community we have at CrossFit Humanity, and am excited to host a Pride fundraising OUT WOD this year at our gym to benefit The OUT Foundation. The OUTAthlete program has allowed me to continue pursuing my athletic goals despite financial strain by providing a scholarship program to cover the cost of my gym membership.

    Every single day I am proud to be an OUTAthlete, showing the world that queer and trans athletes not only belong in athletics, but can dominate if given the chance. I am so grateful to this program for taking a chance on me and cheering along my growth! I am striving to be 1% better each and every day.”

  • “Hi! I’m Alec, a 23 year old data/software analyst who lives down in New Orleans. I joined the OUTAthlete program with the April 2023 cohort, so I am a fairly new OUTAthlete. However, even in my short time with the program, I have found a diverse group of friends and a support group as I expand my fitness experience and continue on my personal health journey.

    I come from a background of recreational (but still intense) rugby… GO ROUGAROUX!… and some bodybuilding-style lifting with muscle isolation. I also used to be a competitive swimmer in high school. One area of fitness that I rarely had the courage to try was CrossFit-style exercise utilizing HIIT mixed with lots of compound lifts. That’s where The OUT Foundation comes in!

    The OUT Foundation has helped me find a supportive group of athletes that I can befriend and grow alongside as we all gain knowledge and experience through CrossFit gym partnerships. The OUT Foundation has chosen to invest in me by helping me find a sponsoring gym that is accepting and supportive of me, and there are even more good things to come with the nutritional coaching and senior OUTAthlete mentorship. I can’t wait to see what all the OUTAthlete program has in store for me! I am ready to take my health and wellness to a new level in the presence of the other 2023 OUTAthletes and the entire foundation.”

  • “I am a 28-year-old cisgender gay man living in Boston, MA and am currently completing a MD/PhD program. My graduate school program is 8 years long and intense. I’ve found that to stay on track and sane throughout this process, I need to prioritize personal balance and self-care to avoid burnout. Last year, I found myself struggling to achieve this balance on my own and applied to the OUTAthlete program. Luckily, I was accepted and have since found a source of supportive community as well as motivation to achieve a better life balance.

    In college, I had previously found balance with competitive rowing. I loved the energy of the team and the accountability to attend practice every day that pushed me to become a strong athlete. Now in graduate school, the OUTAthlete program fills a similar role encouraging me to regularly prioritize my physical health through CrossFit classes and motivating me to set and achieve my own physical goals alongside my academic ones. Both the OUTAthlete and my local CrossFit communities are energizing and make me excited to complete my workouts.

    Since the beginning of the year, I have become significantly more confident with my lifting techniques and am slowly learning other gymnastic movements such as kipping pull ups and handstand pushups, both of which initially intimidated me. Furthermore, the educational seminars during our monthly meetings are leading me to think deeply about other aspects of my well-being, such as mindfulness and nutrition. Establishing a routine that prioritizes balance and personal wellness will be crucial for me to finish these degrees, as well as to continue through my future training and career. The OUTAthlete program has been wonderful to participate in so far and I am looking forward to what the rest of the year has in Store!”

Young man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a black t-shirt, standing against a light background with arms crossed, label 'LUCAS, HE/THEY' at the bottom.
Close-up of a young man smiling indoors, with a stone wall background, wearing a tan jacket and sunglasses on his head.
Close-up of a young man with brown hair, beard, and blue eyes, wearing white wireless earbuds, a dark jacket with a fur-lined hood, standing outside near a building with pillars, under a covered porch.
A woman with short, curly hair smiling while sitting in a vehicle on a dirt road in a rural landscape with fields and mountains in the background.

  • “Hello everyone! My name is Lucas (He/They) and I am a transmasculine latin individual. Outside of being a trans athlete, I am an advocate for the Trans & Non-binary community, creating events and safe spaces for communities nationwide. I am also a health care worker and a researcher specializing in community-based research with TGNB communities.

    The OUT Foundation has helped me find a passion in CrossFit as a trans person. I am not used to seeing people that identify like me at Crossfit gyms, but with The OUT Foundation, I was able to take up space and be a visible Trans person of color in these spaces. The OUT Foundation has been a key organization that has helped me find a place where I can workout and feel affirmed of my identity.

    With the tools I have gathered through this program, I have created Health & Wellness classes and campaigns for Trans & Non-binary individuals to feel affirmed and safe at no cost. In the current state of this country (where the existence of Trans & Non-binary individuals is under scrutiny time and time again) and being in a state that is a safe haven for the Trans community, it is important for me to be visible for those that cannot be and to advocate for the injustices taking place. Thank you, The OUT Foundation, for allowing me the space to be myself and to be visible for my community.”

  • “Growing up, I was the kid who couldn’t sit still. Athletics became a space where my speed and movement were praised. It’s where I learned the importance of communication, collaboration, and hard work. It gave me my first sense of purpose.

    I was also the kid that was targeted with homophobic attacks before I even knew what the words even meant. They followed me no matter how hard I worked to prove myself. The more I allowed myself to live authentically and be proud of my identity, the more prevalent these experiences became in my perceived safe athletics spaces.

    Athletics became overshadowed with hate I couldn’t outrun. I became a husk of an athlete, remaining dedicated out of the same principal sport taught me, but unable to achieve this same sense of purpose or passion felt before. This absence was felt in all other aspects of my life.

    Discovering CrossFit Harpoon and The OUT Foundation was the exact community I needed to re-spark this passion. The support this team has shown me has given me the tools to put the pieces back together myself. I have never felt physically fitter, mentally stronger, and more secure of my belonging both inside and outside of the gym. It’s my daily reminder that I’m not only doing this to support myself but to support the people I choose to surround myself with.

    I strongly believe in the manta, “Be the person you needed when you were younger”. The OUT Foundation has given me the platform to represent queer visibility in athletics that I needed to see before. I will never stop representing all the other baby Matthew’s in the world who are going through what I did. Strength runs deep, and I’m forever grateful for this process to be a daily reminder of my own.”

  • “Sylvia was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to Maine at the age of 16 to pursue her dream of attending an American college. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a feeling of belonging sometimes didn’t come easy, but sports helped her navigate this part of her identity. Sports played an integral role in her life as she used them as an outlet to express herself and create a community around her while growing up where being a good athlete was all that mattered. At the end of the day, she always felt like something was missing.

    In 2020, when the whole world was frozen by COVID-19, finding a community became harder. That is when she found The OUT Foundation and applied to become an OUTAthlete in hopes of finding a group of likeminded LGBTQ+ individuals who viewed health, wellness and fitness as a way to improve themselves physically and mentally while being welcomed in fitness spaces as their true, authentic selves. Being part of the program has helped her see how health, wellness and fitness can be more than finding an outlet for self expression, as it can also be a great tool to share the experience with those who are just starting out their fitness journey. One of her favorite parts of the program is mentoring other athletes who are in different stages or have different goals, helping them navigate through them so they know they’re not alone and watching them try out new things. Her journey has evolved from a “one woman show” to a community of people who work together and are there to support each other to succeed.

    Sylvia’s always looking for her next challenge, whether that’s entering a powerlifting meet, running a half marathon, or hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. She does this in hopes she can inspire other LGBTQ+ folks to show up at their nearest gym, lace up their running shoes, or try that fitness thing they’ve been meaning to try for a while, so they too can knock down the barriers that stand between them and living a better life. Everyone’s fitness journey looks and starts somewhere different. What will yours look like?”

  • “When I talk about being an OUTAthlete, I often tell the people in my life that it goes so much deeper than just CrossFit. The OUTAthlete program was the first program to help me instill a regimen in my life that has had the most positive benefit on my well-being and mental health. When I started with The OUT Foundation, I was recovering from a back injury and struggling to stay motivated with properly eating and balancing my workouts, as well as dealing with declining mental health as a result of high stress from college, poor time management, and constant lower back pain. It was also hard for me to exist in a regular gym space where I often worried about my transgender identity impacting my safety or ability to grow.

    When I joined this program, I had no idea the amazing impact it would have on my life. Over the past year and a half I have learned about how to properly fuel my body, how to plan my schedules so I have time to workout, cook, and (most importantly) sleep enough every night, and learned how to train for success. Properly eating, sleeping, and staying active has had such a profound impact on my well-being, and the past year and a half has made me such a happier and healthier person.

    Besides these aspects of the OUTAthlete program I have gotten to be a part of a community that emphasizes both lifting each other up and educating each other on not only fitness, but a lot of the issues impacting the LGBTQ community in sports. With all of the anti-trans legislation passing it has been amazing having a community of other LGBTQ athletes, especially other transgender athletes (as I have always felt isolated from my community before this program) to lean on and learn from during these times. This program has been such a positive experience in my life and I am so grateful every day that I get to wake up and be a part of it.”

A woman in a pink jacket, white pants, and brown boots standing in front of a large spaceship, smiling at the camera. The text on the image says "NATASHA" and pronouns "SHE/THEY."
A young man with dark curly hair, wearing a dark sweater over a collared shirt, standing outdoors in front of a stone wall, smiling.
A person with glasses and a nose piercing wearing a blue shirt sitting in an office with large windows and fluorescent lights.
A young man smiling outdoors near a river and trees with fall foliage, wearing a baseball cap, plaid shirt, and navy t-shirt.

  • “My name is Natasha, I’m 31 years old and I’m a writer, artist, academic and small business owner. My passions are telling stories that help people to feel seen and to understand their own identity, as well as transport them somewhere they can dream a little bigger.

    I recently started a business designing fan merch based around queer and queer-coded characters in media, whose stories often resonate enormously with the queer community but don’t get the same support as cishet characters. As well as being enormously fun, it’s a way for me to make a visible space for queer identity in the world and show that our stories matter.

    Being part of the OUTAthlete program has done exactly the same thing for me. Just being a member of the program, talking about it and sharing my experiences as a lesbian athlete has helped strengthen and validate my identity enormously. It gives me such a sense of self-worth to know that this central part of who I am is being celebrated and valued – and not just in isolation, but as part of a well-rounded and fully understood whole.

    As part of the program, I not only receive the benefits of attending CrossFit classes, but I get incredible mentorship from The OUT Foundation staff and educators, who have helped me develop my goals and a sense of purpose. I also have my amazing nutritionist Keagan, who is so patient and dedicated to working with me and has helped me transform my approach to wellness in just a couple of months.

    Strength doesn’t just come from being able to care for yourself, though. It is a community act. This program helps us build relationships that uplift and persist, which is essential in our ability to continue to thrive during a time when the right to exist as LGBTQ+ individuals is under threat. I am incredibly grateful to be part of this program and can’t wait to see what the next six months have in store!”

  • “Participating in the OUTAthlete program has been truly transformative. When I began the program in January, I’d never done a CrossFit class before. Going to the gym made me nervous: I felt weak, like I didn’t know what I was doing, and out of place. However, my gym placement at CrossFit Chapel Hill made me feel immediately at home. I started going to the gym as often as I could. In the past, I felt like I was mainly motivated to work out based on how I wanted to look. I wasn’t very kind to myself about my body. This changed for the better since starting as an OUTAthlete. I started caring less about getting a “perfect body” and just wanted to get stronger and fitter. My eating also changed for the better: I stopped cutting out food groups, skipping meals, and punishing myself when I ate “bad”. After I improved my nutrition, I could start giving my body the energy for workouts and repair.

    There were a lot of challenges that have come up in my fitness journey, but because of the OUTAthlete program, I haven’t been alone at all. I’ve been able to share my achievements and obstacles with the rest of my cohort and get their advice. Seeing how everyone else is crushing their goals is a constant source of inspiration, and when I need a community to lean on when I’m struggling in or out of the gym, I know the other OUTAthletes have my back. With my powerlifting all maxes going up, my cardio endurance growing, more and more CrossFit skills under my belt, and new friends at the gym and in the program, I’ve accomplished a lot so far this year. I’m very excited for what’s to come as an OUTAthlete!”

  • “My name is Dynte’ (He/They), a New Orleans native, and student at Tulane School of Public Health. I identify as Queer and Transmasculine. I joined the OUTAthlete Program in April, and it has been such a great source of support as I introduce new and exciting workouts and movements into my fitness routine. At the time of joining the program, I had not been physically active for a while, and I wanted to change that. I know that I tend to excel in community-based settings that are supportive and free from judgment. I found myself feeling very self-conscious and a little vulnerable those first few days back in the gym, but Flambeaux Fit’s trainers, the community there, and my OUTAthlete cohort really helped ease me into a sense of belonging. I really enjoy meeting with other LGBTQ+ athletes in the program and hearing about their fitness journey and goals. They all motivate me to push myself, while reminding me that consistency is key.

    So far, I have lost 10 lbs and gained some unexpected muscle mass within the 45 days I have been an OUTAthlete. I enjoy being able to get through the day feeling more energized than I used to. I also feel more confident in my movements, and I notice myself getting stronger. I really want to improve upon my endurance level and compete in some of the local runs that are held here in New Orleans. There is one race that I really look forward to; it has a route that crosses the Crescent City Connection bridge that is located 300 ft above the Mississippi River. I can’t wait to look back on this post and appreciate this fun and exciting journey.”

  • “Hi! I’m Lukas (they/them/he/him), and I’m located in Denver, Colorado. I recently started as an OUTAthlete in January of 2023. Before I became involved with The OUT Foundation, I knew a couple of other LGBTQ+ athletes through the CrossFit gyms I attended. But the OUTAthlete program has connected me with so many queer athletes, mentors, and coaches in Denver and across the country! I am starting to develop friendships and connections with others in my community who genuinely want to lead healthy lives, and want to see me live my best, healthiest life too.

    Through the support of the OUT Foundation, I have been able to take a look at the lifestyle I have struggled to build around fitness and nutrition – going to the gym, meal-prepping, hustling, getting in bed early to get enough sleep, etc. – and I’ve been able to find other people within my community who also want to live this lifestyle. The OUT Foundation has given me the toolkits and encouragement it takes to actually follow through with living out this lifestyle. The support felt through the monthly meetings, check-ins with mentors, friends, etc. has kept me going. When motivation is low, the other OUTAthletes and my mentors are there to talk things through.

    Through my membership at Movement Fitness, I also discovered Yoga classes. After being a CrossFit athlete for five years, it was difficult to slow my movement down and focus on my breath work. However, what I’ve realized is that the stretches, slower movement, and breath work have improved my workouts, flexibility, strength, and mental health.

    I am forever grateful to be a part of the OUTAthlete program! If there’s anything I’m actively learning right now, it’s that it is very possible to enjoy the process of fitness and nutrition when you have a supportive community around you, instead of just waiting for or looking for the results that only come with time.”

Support LGBTQ+ Athletes

You can support the OUTAthlete program and future LGBTQ+ athletes by donating to The OUT Foundation!

Donate here!