Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Buck.
Jacob, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to SLC, Utah in August of 2018 to work for the Red Cross and enjoy a new scene. I have lived all over the U.S. and abroad for some time and SLC was my next adventure. Prior to moving here I visited one time and explored what the city had to offer and realized there was a big hole missing for our queer community. In every other city, I lived in I had found my family and closest friends by joining queer sports leagues, and couldn’t find one in Salt Lake.
So I reached out to my contacts from Stonewall Sports national and inquired about starting a chapter in my new city. They sent me the information and expectations for starting a new chapter. I had to find 3 other people and explain how we would make Stonewall Sports Salt Lake City a thing. I found some amazing new friends and completed the necessary forms to pitch to the national board and got approved to start in November of 2018. We soon realized it would take much more time to plan an impactful first season; therefore, we started in April 2019.
Since starting that spring season of kickball we have grown to include: kickball, sand volleyball, dodgeball, pickleball, and bowling and hope to add more sports each year. Also, since starting in 2019 and having 2 years of a break from the pandemic we have still been able to build a community of over 1,900 participants of every orientation and gender. We love our allies too!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting approved to start the chapter was the easiest part. Creating a meaningful and inclusive environment for all has been the real challenge. We want to represent the full community and provide a safe, low-cost, environment for all. Luckily finding people that want to play has been smooth. It has caught on like wildfire. One of the best things about being in queer sports is that no matter who you are, you can participate.
You don’t have to be athletic or competitive, although we do have different divisions for our sports for people to play socially or competitively. It also has been a struggle to find more members of our community to step up into leadership roles. We currently have a board of around 6 members but are always looking for more people to become board members or volunteer on a committee.
Our whole organization from the national level down is all volunteers; so you could imagine it takes a village and a mighty one. Another positive is that we have been getting the support of our community and other organizations since day one. They have helped sponsor events, provide a space to have meetings, or donate equipment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Stonewall Sports is a national organization with over 24 chapters throughout the U.S. and growing. We were in the 16th chapter! Sweet 16! We are a 21+ organization that provides sports and events for the lgbtqia+ community. Stonewall Sports is more than just sports we are about community and finding a chosen family. It’s very hard sometimes to find others that have the same values, beliefs, or interests, and Stonewall provides a place where people can meet outside of the bars and workplace to find meaningful relationships and stay active.
I am most proud of the reach that we have had in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe we have had almost 2,000 people involved in our sports. I think this is a true testament to the need for more safe spaces to go and share in the community with one another. I want everyone to know that Stonewall is here for you even if you aren’t sporty or athletic. We want to build each other up and support one another. Obviously, we have some amazing athletes and it’s always fun to win, but try it out! You won’t be the person picked last on the field or the only person with that same experience.
We understand it can be intimidating to try something new or to be alone but we are here to support you and help you learn some new skills and make lifelong friendships. If you want to sign up alone and be put on a team we will put you on a team. If you want to sign up with a friend or small group of friends we will make sure you are all together and create more friends. Come out, play, and enjoy some recreation with some pretty amazing people.
What does success mean to you?
Success is providing a safe place to play sports and stay active for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and build lifelong friendships while doing it.
Pricing:
- Kickball – $45 (8 weeks)
- Pickleball – $60 (8 weeks)
- Bowling – $65 (7 weeks)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stonewallsportsslc.org
- Instagram: @stonewallsportsslc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stonewallsaltlakecity
- Other: https://linktr.ee/stonewallsportsslc
