Pride Month is recognized each June across Canada and often celebrated throughout the summer as a time to honour the history, resilience, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a moment to reflect on the ongoing work towards equity, representation, and inclusion in all spaces, including sports. 

Throughout history, sport has played a meaningful role in the lives of many within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  For some, softball has been more than just a game; it’s been a place to build lifelong friendships, experience the joy of teamwork, and find a true sense of belonging. 

This June, Softball Canada will be spotlighting several queer softball associations from across the country. By sharing their stories, we aim to celebrate the communities that have long championed inclusion in our sport.  

We asked these associations: Why is it important to have dedicated spaces like your league for 2SLGBTQIA+ athletes? 

Here’s what the leagues had to say:

"Having dedicated queer spaces, like NOTSO Amazon, means that people can try something new without fear of judgment. It means they can heal from past experiences of exclusion and build new narratives of empowerment. It's also a rare queer space that isn't centred around nightlife, as we're outside, we're active and creating connections that are grounded in care and community. These kinds of spaces aren't just important, they're very necessary!" - Notso Amazon Softball (Toronto, Ont.)

“For many members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, sport is associated with difficult experiences. Many do not feel comfortable in sports environments due to the discrimination they face, with some facing outright exclusion. This is a genuine public health issue, as sports are linked to both improved physical and mental well-being, as well as the development of social connections. Most of the founding members of BMQS initially met when registering three queer teams in a regular mixed league. However, their outdated gender rules, along with homophobic/transphobic attitudes and comments for other teams, convinced us to start our own league, where we could play sports without being forced to choose a gender category, being misgendered or treated differently because of our identity. The success we experienced within our first year showed that there was a real need for queer people to have access to affirming spaces. It is critical to support the development of more inclusive initiatives for athletes from our communities.” - Balle Molle Queer Softball (Montreal, Que.)

“Historically and unfortunately still in many instances today, mainstream sports have not always been welcoming or safe for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Many have experienced unfair treatment or discrimination in community sports. This highlights a pervasive issue that dedicated spaces help mitigate. In 2SLGBTQ+ leagues, athletes can participate as their authentic selves without fear of judgement, discrimination, or needing to conceal their identity, fostering a sense of psychological safety that is often absent from broader sporting contexts. When individuals are safe, they are more likely to fully engage and enjoy sports. These spaces also provide opportunities to create friendships and support networks with others who share similar lived experiences. This includes role models that can be a positive influence on younger members of the community as well. Finally, dedicated leagues can proactively address unique challenges related to facility access, ensuring athletes a truly safe and comfortable experience. Leagues such as ours are more than a softball league; it’s a vital community hub that provides a safe and empowering space for 2SLGBTQ+ athletes to enjoy sports, build connections and thrive.” – Calgary Apollo (Calgary, Alta.)

“Spaces like the Mabel League are crucial for allowing 2SLGBTQIA+ folks to find their voice and live their lives courageously. While queer folks are still bullied in other leagues and trans athletes are unfairly at the centre of many debates about who belongs in sport, we say, with our whole hearts, that you belong in this sport, with us.” – Mabel League (Vancouver, B.C.) 

Common themes across all the responses highlight two major takeaways: 

• The creation of lasting community connections through sport, friendship, and shared lived experiences has made these leagues vital community hubs for many queer and gender diverse athletes. 

• Personal safety and freedom from judgement are essential for participation and enjoyment in sport.

These leagues are not just places to play, they are pillars of support, connection, and empowerment for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  

We asked: What impact has your league had on your community? 

Here’s what the leagues shared: 

"NOTSO Amazon has become more than just a softball league; it's a vital community space. For over 40 years, we've provided a place where queer folks, especially women, trans and non-binary people, can show up as their full selves, regardless of skill level or experience. Many players come to play ball but end up finding chosen families, mental and physical healing, and connections to the wider queer community. The league has helped people build confidence, form lifelong friendships, and access queer events and networks they didn't know existed. For some, it's the first time they've been on a team where they feel completely safe and supported. We've had members who've returned years later, bringing partners, kids, and friends, creating a beautiful cycle of community that spans generations. We also remove barriers wherever possible. Examples are offering financial aid, lending equipment, and creating accommodations for disabled players so that everyone who wants to participate can do so." – Notso Amazon Softball (Toronto, Ont.)

"We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can express themselves authentically while enjoying the benefits of physical activity and camaraderie. Our goal is to build community, foster connections, encourage social support, promote resilience, both physical and mental well-being, and, of course, to have fun playing softball. We prioritize fun over competition and place community and solidarity at the core of our values. We adopted certain rules to facilitate participation for individuals facing physical accessibility challenges. We also offer sliding-scale pricing to ensure that financial barriers don't prevent anyone from joining the league. Beyond being a sports league, we also regularly organize events for all members of the community, such as our free weekly practices, community barbecues, and other social gatherings, for them to connect with their community”. - Balle Molle Queer Softball (Montreal, Que.)

“Since its official establishment in 2018, the Calgary Apollo Softball Association (CASA) has had a profound and multifaceted impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Calgary. Our primary mission remains to provide a fun, safe, and social league for all, regardless of skill level. CASA has created a vibrant and inclusive space where 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and their allies can connect, build friendships, and feel a strong sense of belonging. We offer our members a welcoming and affirming environment that positively impacts mental well-being, fosters self-confidence, and promotes physical activity. Beyond league play, we contribute to the Broader Calgary 2SLGBTQ+ community by hosting two annual tournaments (CASA Pride Slam and Exhibition Game), organizing an amateur charity drag fundraiser that benefits local non-profits (MX CASA), and proudly participate in the Calgary Pride Parade. Each of our teams is sponsored by organizations or businesses that are either queer-owned or actively support the community, reflecting our commitment to shared values. We also believe everyone should have a chance to play, which is why we’ve implemented a financial assistance program to help 2SLGBTQ+ members cover costs and ensure accessibility. These initiatives strengthen community ties and demonstrate our dedication to 2SLGBTQ+ causes.” – Calgary Apollo (Calgary, Alta.)

“This year is the 35th year, the Mabel League has been a place for individual growth and safety. The Mabel League is known for being a caring and joyful place, that helps builds confidence in our players to live proudly and know that they have a community of nearly 500 people behind them. Every year we have members tell us how this league is the first time they were in a space where they truly saw themselves, or the version of themself they hope to be. The impact is immeasurable - it's in the relationships built, it's in the skills people have developed as they found safety in playing with people who see them, it's in the continuing expansion of the league.” – Mabel League (Vancouver, B.C.)

The recurring themes included: 

• These leagues provide safe and affirming spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves.  

• They foster connection and chosen family, often becoming an entry point into broader queer community life.  

• The focus on inclusion over competition, financial accessibility, and support for people with diverse needs has made these spaces welcoming to all skill levels and backgrounds.  

• Many leagues have become intergenerational community hubs, enriching both mental and physical well-being while promoting joy, solidarity, and resilience.

Softball Canada remains committed to uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and supporting safe, welcoming environments for all. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, we have included the websites of several 2SLGBTQIA+ softball leagues from across the country below: 

Notso Amazon Softball League: Toronto, Ont. 

Balle Molle Queer Softball: Montreal, Que. 

Calgary Apollo Softball Association: Calgary, Alta. 

Field of Dreamers: Toronto, Ont. 

Steel City Inclusive Softball Association: Hamilton, Ont. 

Cabbagetown Group Softball League: Toronto, Ont. 

Mabel League: Vancouver, B.C.