PRIDE: Hamilton’s ultimate 2SLGBTQIA+ recreation and sports guide
There are many queer teams, leagues and groups for those seeking to be out and proud in the city.
Hamiltonians can take pride in the surge of 2SLGBTQIA+ sports and outdoor activities now available year-round. Queer recreational athletes and outdoor enthusiasts – who frequently face barriers in sports and recreation – are increasingly finding opportunities to show up as their authentic selves. And when we do that, everybody wins.
Queer Dimes Basketball
The beginning: Hamilton’s first inclusive basketball club for 2SLGBTQIA+ players
Seasonal: See website for future start dates
Where: Locations vary
What to expect: QDB operates on a drop-in basis for seasoned basketball players, as well as beginners who’ve never set foot on a basketball court. You’ll find beginners and experienced players on the same team. QDB hosts clinics to help players develop in a supportive environment.
Cost: $10 per game
Visit: queerdimes.com
Queer Biking Hamilton
The beginning: QBH hosted its first bike ride in May 2024 for LGBTQ non-competitive cyclists.
Seasonal: Mostly summer
Where: Rides typically start in a city park, such as Gage Park, and LIUNA Park/Immigration Square.
What to expect: Relaxed rides (up to 10 km) on paved and unpaved surfaces, sometimes ending at Willard’s Ice Cream.
Visit: instagram.com/queerbikinghamilton/
Golden Horseshoe Bowling League
The beginning: The 2SLGBTQ+ 10-pin bowling league launched in 2009. GHBL president Mike Kampen says the impetus was to “create a safe and welcoming space for community members and their straight friends to come together to socialize and enjoy friendly competition in a low-impact sport.”
Seasonal: Two 15-night seasons – Fall (September to mid-December), and winter (January to April).
Where: Splitsville Entertainment Centre, 1525 Stone Church Rd. E.
What to expect: While players love competing, Kampen describes GHBL as primarily a social league to meet new people and have fun. No experience is necessary.
Cost: $50 season registration fee, plus $20 each night
Visit: ghbowling.ca
Iroquoia Club’s Rainbow Hikes
The beginning: The Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Rainbow Hikes launched in 2023 to provide a safe space for
2SLGBTQQIAP+ hikers and their allies. There are nine hiking clubs along the 900 km route.
Year-round: All seasons
Where: The Iroquoia Club’s Rainbow Hikes explores Hamilton-area trails that are mostly outside city limits, and are reachable via HSR transit.
What to expect: All-inclusive hikes to such nature hotspots as Sherman Falls, Dundas Peak, Spencer Gorge, Dundas Valley and Smokey Hollows Waterfalls.
Cost: Rainbow Hikes are free to join; optional annual membership is $75 (individual or family)
Visit: hikes.brucetrail.org
First person: “I joined the Iroquoia Club when I retired with the sole purpose of meeting like-minded people, staying healthy – and with the goal of completing the 900-km Bruce Trail. I love the peace, serenity and beauty of our local trails. Being able to enjoy the club’s Rainbow Hikes in a space that is safe, all-inclusive, and all-accepting is awesome.—Kim
Queer Hockey Hamilton
The beginning: QHH was founded in 2023 to create an inclusive space for 2SLGBTQ+ players and to break down traditional gender barriers in the sport.
Year-round: seasonal league play, skills and drills sessions, ball hockey, tournaments, and Chalk Talk educational sessions.
Where: Mohawk 4 Ice Centre, 710 Mountain Brow Blvd.
What to expect: Says one transgender player: “It’s an incredible feeling to step on the ice and know you’re not going to get any odd looks or comments. That’s liberating.”
Cost: Registration fees vary.
First person: “QHH has been a game changer for me. I grew up playing house league hockey, but once I aged out, I didn’t belong in the women’s leagues nor the men’s leagues. Then I heard about QHH. It’s been incredible getting back on the ice, reuniting with a piece of myself that had been gone for so long.” — Eli Babington, QHH goalie and Hamilton-based trans artist who designed the logo for the Professional Women’s Hockey League
Visit: queerhockeyhamilton.com
Mellow Queer Volleyball
The beginning: Founded in 2023 to provide an inclusive space to play volleyball without the stringent gender-based requirements of traditional co-ed leagues.
Seasonal: Fall to spring: Tuesday night league games (Westdale Secondary School) and Thursday night drop-in (Queen Mary Elementary School). Summer drop-ins are Thursday night in Gage Park.
What to expect: Says co-founder Lauren Oldfield: “Expect diversity everywhere you look, whether it’s gender expression, style, volleyball skills, race or age. Everyone is welcome wherever they are on their journey.” Players choose between intermediate competitive volleyball or “mellow” drop-in games.
Cost: Drop-ins are PWYC; 10-week Tuesday League is $100. Financial assistance available through the Pink Fund.
Visit: Instagram.com/mellowqueervolleyball
First person: “Joining MQV has been a turning point. I get to play my favourite sport in a setting that is free from judgement and filled with so much love, support, and most importantly fun! At MQV you can just be yourself and for me that is one of the biggest benefits.” — Bruno Viacava
Hamilton Queer Curling
The beginning: Andrew Skelton and his husband Scott Cooke founded HQC in 2024 to enable LGBTQIA+ curlers and their allies to enjoy the game they love in a safe space.
Seasonal: Weekly games from October to April
Where: Hamilton Victoria Club, 568 King St. E.
What to expect: Beginners to competitive curlers of all genders and sexual orientations are welcome. Because HQC believes in curling as an accessible sport, members with physical limitations can use a shuffleboard-style technique instead of the traditional slide.
Cost: TBD as the league expands to full weekly seasons in October 2025. Learn to Curl lesson included.
Visit: hamiltonvictoriaclub.com/leagueInfoPage.php/queer-curling
First person: “There’s something really special about stepping into a space where you don’t have to think twice about whether you belong. In queer sports leagues, you just do, regardless of how you identify.” — Alex Z (she/they)
Steel City Inclusive Softball Association
The beginning: Jeff Lindstrom, Rich Sullivan, Blaine Perry and Ashley Letts drew on their queer and non-queer softball league experiences to launch SCISA in 2021 as a safe, inclusive and fun space for 2SLGBTQIA+ players and allies.
Seasonal: June to September: recreational (Sunday afternoons); competitive (Thursday night).
Where: Eastwood Park, Hamilton
What to expect: Rookies needn’t worry if they’ve never swung a bat or thrown a ball. The primary focus of the league is to have fun, build community and encourage healthy competition in an inclusive space.
Cost: Memberships range from $55 to $125
Visit: scisa.ca
First person: “Moving to a new country can be daunting, but finding SCISA has made Hamilton feel like home. Not only has it given me the chance to learn a new sport, but it’s also given me an inclusive space where I can show up as my full, authentic self.” — Kerenza Teague (She/Her)
Queer Axe Throwing
The beginning: QAT was formed in 2022, largely in response to queer softball players looking for a winter sport, says current league coordinator Tyler (Ty) Jeffrey. It has grown steadily ever since, providing a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ axe throwers.
Seasonal: Six six-week seasons yearly, each comprising 24 games.
Where: BATL Hamilton, 80 James St. N.
What to expect: A friendly mix of queer folks and allies from all walks of life – some who’ve played sports forever, and others who’ve never touched an axe. “We have longtime LGBTQ community members, as well as people who are just starting to explore in a safe space,” says Jeffrey.
Cost: $135 registration for a 24-game season.
Visit: instagram.com/queeraxethrowing/
First person: “QAT is built on community, being there for each other. It brings me joy seeing so many people come together to celebrate each other, and to know I had a role in creating this space. I do not know where I would be without this group of wonderful people." — Ty Jeffrey
Lesbian Adventure Club
The beginning: Founder Bonita (Bo) Cronjaeger launched the Lesbian Adventure Club in 2022 after encountering a men’s group that organized indoor and outdoor activities. Bo’s response: “Why not one for women?”
Year-round: All seasons
Where: From Hamilton to the Saugeen Bluffs – and wherever adventure takes them!
What to expect: Membership includes lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women seeking new adventures – indoors and out – in a supportive, judgment-free setting, whether it’s hiking in Niagara, camping on the Peninsula, or visiting a winery.
Cost: No fee. Members sometimes share costs for group activities such as camping.
Visit: Lesbian Adventure Club of Hamilton
First person: “During hikes or camping weekends, I’ll occasionally pause to soak up the camaraderie. The conversations, the shared energy – it hits me every time. Several members have told me LAC has been part of their coming out journey. That makes me proud.” — Bonita Cronjaeger, LAC founder
