After a successful pilot season in 2022, Queer Sporting Alliance (QSA) is officially launching Q League, Australia’s first community basketball league led by and built for queer folk. This league is all about celebrating the ‘all’ in basketball, welcoming players of all gender identities and abilities regardless of their sporting experience. Not sure if you’re good at basketball? That’s ok! Just come along and have some fun. Games are held weekly on Wednesdays at Narrandjeri Stadium in Thornbury.
Q League
This program first began last year, and 84 per cent of participants felt more connected to the LGBTQIA+ community as a result of the game. Now, there are currently eight full teams with over 80 players. QSA, Australia and New Zealand’s premier LGBTIQA+ sporting club, hopes to expand this league to all Australian states by the end of 2023.
“Initiatives like Q League show that allies and the LGBTIQA+ community can come together to play sport, have fun and learn more about each other,” said Bindy Cohen, General Manager of Queer Sporting Alliance.
Q League prioritises participation over performance. There is a strict ‘no try outs’ policy, so everyone is welcome regardless of skill level. The game also has its own set of Rainbow Rules, including Rainbow Cards, which are awarded to players who score a lot of points, stopping them from playing on the key until the end of the half. At the end of each month, there are Rainbow Rounds, which celebrate the achievement of each player, and has fun elements like DJs and cheering competitions.
Games take place on Wednesday nights at Narrandjeri Stadium in Thornbury from 6pm. Find out more here.