By Dani Hollidge
In the heart of Philadelphia, Stonewall Sports has become more than just a league-it’s a
thriving community that celebrates the spirit of queer sports and inclusivity. Founded as a part of
a national network of LGBTQ+ sports leagues, Stonewall Sports Philadelphia has drawn in
athletes from all walks of life. Whether dodgeball, volleyball, or billiards, they have been united
through the power of friendship and connection. According to many players, the leagues offer a
safe, welcoming space for players and supporters where friendly competition thrives. Stonewall
Sports offers a new definition of “brotherly love” that embraces diversity, camaraderie, and pride
in a city renowned for its grit and unity.
A few members of the queer community shared Stonewall has become a vital space for
Philadelphia’s queer community by offering more than just athletic opportunities. By creating an
environment where LGBTQ+ people can gather, compete, and support one another, Stonewall provides a sense of belonging for a group that has been marginalized for so long. The league’s
emphasis on inclusivity and acceptance helps break down social barriers and allows members to
freely express themselves while forming lasting connections with like-minded people.
Queer sports leagues play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging, inclusivity, and
identity for LGBTQ+ individuals. In spaces where LGBTQ+ members have historically felt
marginalized, these leagues offer a safe space for players to express themselves freely and
without fear of judgment. Jared Tracey, the director of volleyball for Stonewall Sports, grew up
in Texas, where he recalls that he didn’t have many spaces that allowed him to feel safe in
school. But, by centering inclusivity and respect, queer sports leagues counter the discrimination
often found in mainstream sports culture. Without that overarching feeling of anxiety and fear,
queer athletes are able to have healthy competition and strengthen their community identity that
goes beyond the sports itself.
Board member Jennifer Medaglia embraces her role with a commitment to Stonewall’s
mission of inclusivity and kindness.
“I think the biggest responsibility for now being a board member is putting on that
board shirt when I step out…to uphold the mission of being kind to people, to be inclusive“, she
explains. Medaglia’s role goes beyond just attending meetings: she’s dedicated to fostering a
welcoming environment for all members. Recently, the organization encouraged players to add
their names and pronouns to their jerseys, a step towards creating a more inclusive community.
Medaglia spearheaded an initiative to educate members about the importance of pronouns,
showcasing how her board position allows her to actively shape Stonewall’s welcoming culture.
Zach Laloup a former player on Stonewall’s dodgeball team, described how the league
became a life-changing space for him.
“Stonewall helped me find my place in a city where I initially felt lost,” Laloup shared.
“I didn’t just make friends found a family.” He spoke about the electric energy of game nights
and how post-match gatherings fostered deep connections, recalling how you can be your true self when you are there. For Laloup, Stonewall’s environment offered more than recreation; it
became a cornerstone of his confidence and community engagement.
Jared Tracy moved to Philadelphia in 2021 in search of a fresh start on the East Coast.
Jared quickly found a new rhythm in Philadelphia, including joining the Stonewall volleyball
team. His involvement deepened when he took the role of a director.
“ It just felt natural to get more involved, you know? I loved what Stonewall stood
for,” he said.
In this position, Jared oversees league rules, schedules venues, and organizes
multiple volleyball leagues per year. Stonewall offers three formats of volleyball- indoor, sand,
and grass- which allow for year-round playing. While each season presents its logistical
challenges, Jared says the work is worth it for the reward.
Recently, Tracy and Medaglia launched Stonewall’s first she/they volleyball league
dedicated to female-identifying and non-binary players.
“We realized there was a real need for a space where these players wouldn’t feel
marginalized,” Tracy shared. “That’s why we started she/they. It’s been a huge success.”
Medaglia has ideas on how to keep expanding and deepening Stonewall’s impact. She
pointed out that Stonewall’s growth can thrive by continually responding to community needs.
They can also keep creating welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Medaglia spoke about a new member who was scared to jump right on a team so Medaglia
combatted that by having them come meet her before practice as well as join a team with other
free agents who were in a similar boat.
With a new five-year plan, the organization aims to support and celebrate diversity,
focusing on trans, non-binary, and black LGBTQ+ communities.
“We really want to try to cater to and grow in areas we haven’t done before,” she
shares, noting Stonewall’s involvement with Philly Black Pride as a part of these efforts. Tracy
sees leadership and mentorship as key to fostering long-term engagement and a close-knit
community. He believes creating more leadership opportunities for members will help the
organization’s future and encourage people to invest in its success. Medaglia and Tracy’s
experiences highlight the importance of building community and empowering people within
Stonewall’s mission. Through diverse programs and pathways for involvement, the league has a
unique opportunity to keep evolving and meeting the needs of the queer community of
Philadelphia.
To players and board members alike, Stonewall Sports is more than a league; it is a
place where Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community can find support, camaraderie, and pride in a
shared space. Through the dedication of leaders like Medaglia and Tracy, Stonewall continues to
build inclusive environments where everyone can feel welcome. Whether they are looking for
competition, connection, or just a place to belong, Stonewall has their back. As it grows and
adapts to the community, Stonewall Sports will remain a powerful force for building friendships
and overcoming diversity, especially in the current political climate we are in. In a world where
safe and affirming spaces are still much needed, Stonewall stands as a symbol of what can be
accomplished when people come together to celebrate and uplift one another.
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