I've trained in a few boxing gyms over the years and never had a problem. In fact quite the opposite i have always found them tolerant places where people who put in the hours are respected regardless of background. Some may however feel the need for a gay boxing group which I think is a shame but if it encourages new people into the sport then I wish you luck.
This is a pretty cool idea, there was an attempt to start a group like this here in NYC via meetup.com but it didn't pan out. Regarding being out at your gym/club, I dealt with this back in August when I joined a mainstream completion focused one. I don't have any mannerisms or slightest hint to my sexuality until I tell people so I could of just stayed closet for sure. The place had a lot of memes on the wall and a lot of very homophobic overtones. I started to get friendly withe main trainer and a small group of core regulars and while sitting around one afternoon I was asked the "so you married etc?" question. I stated my sexuality and it shocked the room. I then pointed out that I didn't initially feel open to saying that due to overtones and the owner/trainer took a long re-look at the room. Maybe it was an eye opener. Thing is, I am not at the club as a gay man. I am there a training boxer like everyone else. I didn't come out to everyone else there but if it spreads it spreads. I can see people worrying they will be bullied or singled out while sparring and hurt. Here in the USA we are far from seen as "equals".
I'm investigating the possibility of setting up a gay/lesbian etc boxing group in Glasgow, similar to the London one. The whole idea is to just provide a means of gay and lesbians to meet each other while engaging in a brilliant sport and keep fit. I'm pleased to say that both Boxing Scotland and LEAP Scotland (an organisation encouraging the LGBT community to access sports) have taken an interest - one person is even checking out gyms for me that would hold a class.
What I think I may need is evidence of gay/bisexual boxers that may have had issues coming out, or just kept in closet. It may be that you don't feel the need to come out in your class or training gym, everyone trains with you and its not an issue. But has anyone experienced any difficulty/homophobia? I've heard a coach say a couple of comments and I will say I'm not in a comfortable place to challenge them. Has anyone felt that they really would not get a great reaction if they come out at a boxing gym?
If anyone has difficulty I would be interested in hearing from them - please either message me or maybe reply to this thread.
borets (65)
11/07/2014 11:13 AMI've trained in a few boxing gyms over the years and never had a problem. In fact quite the opposite i have always found them tolerant places where people who put in the hours are respected regardless of background. Some may however feel the need for a gay boxing group which I think is a shame but if it encourages new people into the sport then I wish you luck.
North American Boxer (11)
11/06/2014 10:43 PMThis is a pretty cool idea, there was an attempt to start a group like this here in NYC via meetup.com but it didn't pan out. Regarding being out at your gym/club, I dealt with this back in August when I joined a mainstream completion focused one. I don't have any mannerisms or slightest hint to my sexuality until I tell people so I could of just stayed closet for sure. The place had a lot of memes on the wall and a lot of very homophobic overtones. I started to get friendly withe main trainer and a small group of core regulars and while sitting around one afternoon I was asked the "so you married etc?" question. I stated my sexuality and it shocked the room. I then pointed out that I didn't initially feel open to saying that due to overtones and the owner/trainer took a long re-look at the room. Maybe it was an eye opener. Thing is, I am not at the club as a gay man. I am there a training boxer like everyone else. I didn't come out to everyone else there but if it spreads it spreads. I can see people worrying they will be bullied or singled out while sparring and hurt. Here in the USA we are far from seen as "equals".
FitScot (38)
11/06/2014 10:04 PMI'm investigating the possibility of setting up a gay/lesbian etc boxing group in Glasgow, similar to the London one. The whole idea is to just provide a means of gay and lesbians to meet each other while engaging in a brilliant sport and keep fit. I'm pleased to say that both Boxing Scotland and LEAP Scotland (an organisation encouraging the LGBT community to access sports) have taken an interest - one person is even checking out gyms for me that would hold a class.
What I think I may need is evidence of gay/bisexual boxers that may have had issues coming out, or just kept in closet. It may be that you don't feel the need to come out in your class or training gym, everyone trains with you and its not an issue. But has anyone experienced any difficulty/homophobia? I've heard a coach say a couple of comments and I will say I'm not in a comfortable place to challenge them. Has anyone felt that they really would not get a great reaction if they come out at a boxing gym?
If anyone has difficulty I would be interested in hearing from them - please either message me or maybe reply to this thread.
Thanks guys!