2S/LGBTQ+ Inclusive Fitness
Introduction
2S/LGBTQ+ individuals face barriers to accessing physical fitness opportunities and spaces that their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts do not. This is especially the case for trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming community members and 2S/LGBTQ+ individuals with physical disabilities.
To help address these barriers, QTHC and a number of community partners worked collaboratively to develop a range of resources for fitness professionals and 2S/LGBTQ+ community members to help enhance the accessibility of fitness spaces and services. Each of these resources, along with a brief description, can be found below.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the work of a number of partners who contributed to this work: Queerflex, In Your Boots Fitness, and the Pride Centre of Edmonton. This work was made possible by the Government of Alberta, through their Recreation and Physical Activity Grant Program.
Self Assessment Tool to create inclusive fitness spaces: For Professionals
The following self-assessment tool can be used by managers and owners of fitness spaces or other fitness professionals to assess the 2S/LGBTQ+ accessibility of their fitness space. The tool will help users identify areas where their space’s accessibility could be improved. For each area of improvement, the tool provides recommendations for how users can implement improvements to enhance the accessibility of their space.
Self Assessment Tool to Create Inclusive Fitness Spaces: for Community Members
The following assessment tool can be used by 2S/LGBTQ+ community members to assess the 2S/LGBTQ+ accessibility of a fitness space they use. Similar to the tool above, the assessment will identify areas for improvement and recommendations to enhance accessibility. The tool also provides guidance on how community members can discuss the tool with a manager, owner, or other fitness professional who works at the space.
2SLGBTQ+ Fitness Access Survey - Report for Fitness Professionals
We developed and delivered a community survey to better understand the fitness experiences and accessibility needs of 2S/LGBTQ+ community members. The survey was completed by more than 100 respondents. We’ve summarized key findings and what it means for fitness professionals and fitness space owners and managers at the link below.
2SLGBTQ+ Fitness Access Survey - Report for Community
We developed and delivered a community survey to better understand the fitness experiences and accessibility needs of 2S/LGBTQ+ community members. The survey was completed by more than 100 respondents. We’ve summarized key findings and what it means for community members at the link below.
Seeking additional guidance? In addition to the resources above, QTHC provides training workshops for fitness professionals to enhance the accessibility of their spaces and practices. To schedule a workshop for your staff, contact us by filling out the form below.