A Showcase of Community and Courage: The World Gay Boxing Championships Event Experience

The World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) in Chicago was more than just a day of exhibition bouts; it was a celebration of inclusion, courage, and community, hosted at Strong Hands Gym, an LGBTQ+ MMA and boxing gym founded by Out 100 alumni Diego Cevallos-Garzon. Located in the heart of North Halsted, this space provided the perfect backdrop for the WGBC to foster a welcoming and empowering environment for all involved.

With seven bouts featuring 14 participants, the event embodied the values of both the sport and the LGBTQ+ community. The energy at the gym was palpable, thanks to the contributions of a live DJ and passionate spectators. According to WGBC founder Martin Stark, “For me, it was a return to the essence of the sport: the community, and people supporting bravery, getting involved in boxing, and witnessing a high standard of boxing.”

For many participants, this event marked their first match, while others returned to the ring for their third or fourth bouts. Regardless of their experience level, each athlete felt comfortable and supported. Stark emphasized the significance of the atmosphere, stating, “It was about people feeling comfortable in the moment.”

A key highlight of the event was the storytelling that followed each bout. After finishing their matches, participants took to the ring to share their personal experiences with the crowd. Even spectators were invited into the ring to express their emotions surrounding the event. This interactive element deepened the connection between participants and the audience, making the event more than just a sporting competition—it became a shared experience of courage and inclusivity.

Participants and spectators alike traveled from across the country, including supporters from New York, San Francisco, and even Sydney, reinforcing the global appeal of WGBC. “The purpose was to connect with people, promote inclusion, enable participation, and foster a sense of belonging,” Stark reflected. This sense of connection was evident throughout the day, with people living their dreams in the ring, supported by friends, family, and strangers who soon became friends.

A Citywide Celebration: Activities Surrounding the World Gay Boxing Championships

The World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) in Chicago extended beyond the ring, with activities and events that energized the city. The event’s promotion began with an eight-month PR campaign that generated coverage in LGBTQ+ press and major sporting outlets.

“The Chicago press picked up the story, and I had two television interviews,” said Martin Stark, WGBC founder. The campaign led to a special moment at the Chicago Cubs’ Pride game, where Stark threw the ceremonial first pitch. “There were about 10,000 attendees in the stadium and a million online viewers. It was an incredible honor,” he added.

Local organizations amplified the event’s presence, contributing to a sell-out crowd and an after-party that continued the celebration of unity. ABC News also covered the story, with interviews broadcast a week before the event. The event was also broadcast live by CBS News, spotlighting the event and the broader impact of WGBC, Strong Hands Gym, and the Chicago community.

“The support from Chicago’s LGBTQ+ sporting organizations and the local community made us feel truly welcome,” Stark reflected. From media coverage to post-event networking, the WGBC became a citywide celebration of sport, inclusivity, and community.

Community Impact: Building Bridges Through Boxing

The World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) found a home in Chicago, where the local community’s warm welcome played a key role in the event’s success. “The palpable sense of Chicago’s desire to welcome WGBC and the LGBTQ+ community made us feel like an integral part of their community,” said Martin Stark, founder of WGBC. This sense of belonging, combined with extensive press coverage, helped elevate the event’s impact on both a local and global scale.

Historically, boxing has seen exclusion of LGBTQ+ athletes, but times have changed. Chicago’s embrace of WGBC reflected the sport’s progress. “The significance of me throwing the ceremonial opening pitch for the Chicago Cubs illustrated how sport breaks boundaries,” Stark noted, highlighting the collaboration between sports and the spirit of inclusion.

The feedback from participants and spectators was overwhelmingly positive. “People felt boxing was for them,” Stark shared, emphasizing how this event built bridges between the boxing and LGBTQ+ communities, showcasing the power of sport to unite people from all walks of life.

Purpose and Growth of the World Gay Boxing Championships:

WGBC was inspired by a desire to break down barriers and connect people. “Homophobia is a significant issue in sports. It deters people from participating in athletic events or exercising at their local gym. We understand the benefits of physical exercise and how it boosts mental and physical health and well-being.  I wanted participants and spectators to see what is possible when people believe in a common purpose and feel like they belong to a community where trust, support, and friendship replace fear. This is the message I hope people will take away from WGBC,” Stark thoughtfully shares.

The championships have grown from an idea Stark shared on LinkedIn into a global event. Two successful events, one in Sydney during Sydney World Pride and the other reaching the world stage, received coverage from ABC News, CNN, The Guardian, and CBS News.

Future Plans: Expanding the Vision

Looking ahead, the World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) aims to build on its storytelling approach to inspire participants and fans, while deepening relationships with the boxing community. “We want our next event to be a sanctioned championship, awarding titles and belts,” says Martin Stark, WGBC founder.

The team is exploring options to expand in the U.S. and grow the sport by removing barriers. “Our legacy is about making everyone feel welcome,” Stark emphasizes. While future locations are yet to be determined, ensuring meaningful support for the LGBTQ+ community and allies remains a priority as WGBC continues to promote inclusivity in boxing.

The future is bright for the WGBC! Discover their open RFP on Playeasy here to see if you could host their next event!

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