The OUT Foundation is launching local nonprofit chapters in New Orleans, LA, Portland, ME, and South Florida to further its mission to remove the barriers that block LGBTQ+ individuals’ access and participation in fitness, health, and wellness.

“As the first local chapter, we’ve been successful here in Portland, Maine targeting our work more locally,” said Beth Fawcett, Portland Local Chapter President. “In this first year, we had a goal of raising $15,000, and we’ve already surpassed that and are excited to be able to put that money to work to support even more local OUTAthletes in 2021.”

Since 2017, The OUT Foundation has worked nationally and internationally to support the LGBTQ+ community in fitness, health, and wellness, facilitating 30 gym memberships through its OUTAthlete program, supporting over 360 individuals through OUTHealth, and connecting with more than 5,000 LGBTQ+ athletes and allies through OUTAthletics events (formerly OUTWOD).

“We’re so excited to be able to have more of an impact here in the South Florida area,” said Jorge Sanchez, South Florida Local Chapter President. “We’re proud to partner with The OUT Foundation to advocate locally for LGBTQ+ athletes in need of safe, welcoming spaces in fitness.”

Local chapters allow The OUT Foundation to make a lasting impact on the local level in many cities across the United States. Each local chapter is a volunteer-led local community group that aligns with the national organization’s strategic plan in implementing support and access to local communities. The chapter’s main objective is to provide fitness, health, and wellness to their local LGBTQ+ community by sponsoring local young adults through the OUTAthlete Program. Other initiatives include fitness events, community socials, and more!

“The word inclusion gets thrown around a lot, but it doesn’t mean anything if people aren’t doing the work to make it happen,” said Dillon King, New Orleans Local Chapter President. “By bringing a local chapter to our area, we have the support to push for change and see an impact in our community.”

The OUT Foundation’s goal is to launch an additional 3 chapters in 2021.

“The members of our local chapters in New Orleans, LA, Portland, ME, and South Florida have been such great partners,” said Eddie Plata, Executive Director of The OUT Foundation. “We’re always trying to expand the reach of the work we do, and having people on the ground in these areas is giving us new ideas, new opportunities, and bringing new life to our programs, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

Those interested can learn more and apply to start a local chapter at www.iamout.org/chapters.