In the ever-evolving world of queer sports, Stonewall Sports has created a space where inclusivity, camaraderie, and competition come together. Among the many who have found their community here is Zach Laloup, a former player on the Stonewall dodgeball and volleyball team. He first joined the team in two- thousand- twenty-two because he wanted to become more involved in his community and he was in the market for making some new friends. He felt as though he needed to see what the queer community of Philadelphia had to offer and what kind of people got involved in these organizations. Laloup’s time on the team was nothing short of exceptional, offering him not just a chance to compete but to connect with the queer community and grow within the queer sports landscape.
You played on the dodgeball team for a while, can you tell me about your experience joining the team?
Joining Stonewall was really nerve-racking for me, I was nervous because I knew no one and I always knew Philly sports leagues were really competitive. But everyone was super cool and so open to welcoming me into their friend group. I feel like everyone who is involved at Stonewall is there not only to play sports but also to meet new people so it makes it easy to meet new people and find yourself some new friends.
Following that, how did being a part of the team help build your confidence both on and off the court?
After joining the league and meeting people, it built my confidence on and off the field in the queer community in Philadelphia.
How so?
Well for one I was not a very social person and it was always difficult for me to make friends so when I came to Stonewall I was really excited to try and make new friends. I was able to meet new people so quickly and nobody was rude to me so it built my confidence because the anxiety I had about making friends disappeared.
I am curious about how being a member of the team may connect people to the queer community. In what ways did being involved with the team strengthen your connection with the queer community of Philadelphia?
Everyone in the community is very understanding of where you come from so no one judges what you look like or your body type. I grew up in the suburbs so I had no connection to anything like this but as soon as I reached out and joined Stonewall everyone was so friendly.
Were there any specific moments that made you feel especially welcomed or supported?
Everyone was invited to parties and events to hang out. After games or practices, we would all go to dinner or to the bar for drinks. These people showed me around a city I did not know all too well and made me feel safe and comfortable. Stonewall got me into so many things in the city.
One more question to wrap things up. What impact do you think they have on promoting inclusivity and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community?
Inclusivity is the biggest part of Stonewall. You’re never feeling left out because there is so much promoting on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Even though I am deployed right now, people are still reaching out and wishing me the best of luck all because of Stonewall.
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