OUTWOD is Putting the GAY in the CrossFit GAMES

OUTWOD has been fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion in CrossFit for many years, and we're excited to be in Madison for the 2019 CrossFit Games to host events for members of our community and our supportive allies."Since launching OUTWOD in 2011, I have noticed a shift toward more and more CrossFit affiliates reaching out to host events with us as they see LGBTQ+ members joining their gyms," said Will Lanier, Founder of OUTWOD and Executive Director of The OUT Foundation. "It has been really incredible to witness an historically ‘bro-ey’ fitness atmosphere become a place where LGBTQ+ people can flourish, and through the support of great partners like Kettlebell Kitchen, we're excited to continue our work at this year's CrossFit Games to help ensure they are as inclusive as possible.”To kick off the weekend, OUTWOD will host a "Don't Be An A**hole" tour stop at The CrossFit Games on Friday, August 2nd at 4pm to share best practices for ensuring fitness is a safe space for transgender and gender non-conforming athletes. Chloie Jonsson, a transgender athlete who was instrumental in CrossFit's decision to change its policy and allow transgender athletes to register for the 2019 CrossFit Games by gender identity instead of sex assigned at birth for the first time, will be a part of the panel. Our goal is to have as many business owners, trainers, coaches, instructors, athletes, classmates, friends, and more as possible come and benefit from the experiences shared and material covered.On Friday night, we're throwing our "Big Gay Happy Hour" at Prism Dance Club in Madison from 7pm-11pm. Big Gay Happy Hour is open to everyone, and is a great way to network with other LGBTQ+ athletes and allies, learn more about OUTWOD and the work of The OUT Foundation, and grab some fun giveaways, too.Join us Saturday at 12:30pm and 1:00pm for OUTWOD: Games Edition located in Partner Row at The CrossFit Games. OUTWOD is The OUT Foundation’s largest international initiative where LGBTQ+ athletes and allies work out in a safe, inclusive CrossFit training environment to raise awareness for community issues in sport and fitness while raising funds for The OUT Foundation and our OUTAthlete Scholarship program.And on Sunday at 9am, we wrap up the weekend with OUTWOD Madison hosted by CrossFit Recursive where LGBTQ+ athletes and allies will come together to sweat for a cause at a local CrossFit affiliate.All are welcome to attend any and all of these events! Registration is now open at www.iamout.org/games2019.