Elsie Lange
Do you identify as LGBTIQA+ and want to flex your muscles in an inclusive, safe space, for free?
Well, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s (SCCH) Country LGBTI Inclusion Program (CLIP) would love to have you as part of its Rainbow-active project.
Held during April and May, the sessions include yoga, bushwalking, personal training, karate, combat group fitness, spin and dance-based virtual workout classes.
Brad Burns, owner of Eclipse Gym in Kyneton, is stoked to be taking part in making fitness spaces less exclusive, and more welcoming and safe for queer communities.
“As a queer person myself, I understand how intimidating sometimes something like a gym can be,” Mr Burns said.
“I know that when I was young… I found gyms to be quite an intimidating place, so when I took over Eclipse Gym I worked really hard to make sure that it became somewhere that everybody felt comfortable.
“Not just queer people, but women, people with disabilities – people from all walks of life from all parts of the community, I want them to feel safe and comfortable in the gym” he said.
The Rainbow-active sessions are being delivered by organisations that have recently completed training on how to create LGTBIQA+ friendly places through sport inclusion campaigners Proud 2 Play.
Rainbow-active project leader Belinda Brain said SCCH believe providing community education opportunities to organisations and then running the come-and-try sessions will give all members of the community the greatest possibility of a new and positive experience.
“People are welcome to give a number of the activities a go – book in with a partner or friend if you are a bit nervous and we hope that you’ll find something you really like and want to continue,” Ms Brain said.
To book a session go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/rainbowactivecomeandtry, or email healthpromotion@scchc.org.au for more information about getting involved as player or organisation.
