They established a permanent LGBTQ focused safe gym space. With PlanetRomeo Foundation funding, sports equipment was purchased and fitness, yoga and dance exercise sessions were organized. Also, an entire day of sports was held, bringing together 68 members of the LGBTQ community.
The Playing for Change program addresses the apprehension felt by many LGBTQ university students to join regular sporting and fitness activities. They may have feared experiencing stigma or discrimination for not behaving according to gender ‘norms’. One participant mentioned: “… It’s been really great to have a space and equipment where I can work out without feeling intimidated, because the gym on campus has a homophobic vibe…”. More information can be found on our project page.
Playing for Change in Jamaica
In Kingston, Jamaica, Pride in Action rolled out its Playing for Change project at the University of the West Indies.