EGLSF welcomes the second in a series of articles around the PLUSS project, in collaboration with project partners. This piece delves into the impactful work of Atlasz Sports Club, Hungary's first and only sports club dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Over the years, the club has grown into a vibrant and inclusive space where LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as allies, can engage in various sports activities while fostering a sense of community and belonging. From regular training sessions to social events, Atlasz offers a range of opportunities for individuals to participate in sports and build meaningful connections.

In this article, we explore how Atlasz Sports Club is leveraging the power of sport to create an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ people in Hungary. We also look at the club’s strategic goals, advocacy efforts, and plans for the future as they continue to grow and expand their impact.

A Brief History and Organizational Overview

Before the founding of Atlasz Sports Club, various LGBTQIA+ sports initiatives were already taking place in Hungary. For example, groups like Vándormások have been organizing regular cycling tours for over 30 years, while other informal LGBTQIA+ sports teams participated in international tournaments. However, the formation of Atlasz in 2004 provided the club with better opportunities to organize, secure event venues, and create a more structured environment for LGBTQIA+ sports.

Today, Atlasz offers nine regular sports activities: swimming, fitness, badminton, squash, running, table tennis, dancing, hiking, and cycling. Thousands of athletes have participated in Atlasz’s programs over the last 20 years, with around 80 members regularly engaging in bi-weekly training sessions. While the club’s membership includes a majority of cisgender male athletes, it is also inclusive of transgender athletes and people of all gender identities.

Vision and Mission: Fostering Community through Sports

From its inception, Atlasz Sports Club has had a clear and powerful mission: to create community through sport. The club is open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, regardless of how they identify, and aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can participate in sports.

A key component of Atlasz's mission is inclusivity. This is evident not only in the open membership policy but also in the club’s efforts to provide dedicated changing rooms for individuals who do not feel comfortable using either male or female facilities. By embracing diversity, Atlasz fosters a culture where all members can feel secure and accepted while engaging in physical activities.

Strategic Goals and Implementation: Growing the Club’s Impact

Atlasz Sports Club’s strategic direction has been significantly shaped by its participation in the PLUSS project, which provided the club with an opportunity to take an “outside-in” view of its operations and learn from the experiences of other sports clubs facing similar challenges. Based on this reflection, Atlasz identified several key strategic goals:

  1. Establish Clear Governance Structures
    Atlasz acknowledges the importance of improving its organizational transparency and structure. Some members have noted that the club’s decision-making processes and operational procedures are not always clear. To address this, the club is working to establish clearer governance mechanisms, ensuring that responsibilities, roles, and communication are well-defined.
  2. Enhance Inclusivity for Non-Cisgender and Non-Male Athletes
    While Atlasz has been inclusive, the club aims to do more for non-cisgender and non-male athletes. This includes creating even more opportunities for transgender and non-binary members to engage in sports and ensuring their experiences are valued and respected.
  3. Focus on the Younger Generation
    In light of recent discriminatory legislation affecting the LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary, Atlasz recognizes the need to support the younger generation of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The club seeks to provide a safe and welcoming space for these young people, offering both sports activities and social opportunities in a time of increased vulnerability.
  4. Engage with the Expat Community
    Hungary has a significant expatriate population, many of whom are LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking community and meaningful activities. Atlasz aims to engage with this group through partnerships with embassies, multinational companies, and local expat networks, helping them feel connected to the LGBTQIA+ community in Hungary.
  5. Socializing and Community-Building Events
    While sports are at the heart of Atlasz, the club recognizes that community-building goes beyond training. Social events such as picnics, board game nights, and parties are organized regularly to help members form deeper connections outside of sports. These events are a vital part of fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
  6. Increase Visibility and Advocacy
    Atlasz actively participates in major LGBTQIA+ events such as Budapest Pride and the Sziget Festival, raising visibility for the club and the LGBTQIA+ community. The club also advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality, raising its voice against discriminatory practices. Notably, Atlasz won a legal battle against a swimming pool management that initially denied them access upon learning the club’s name. This advocacy work continues to play a crucial role in promoting acceptance and visibility for LGBTQIA+ athletes.

Membership Growth and Community Engagement

Atlasz’s growth and sustainability rely on attracting new members, particularly from the younger generation and the expatriate community. The club is focused on building alliances with student organizations and targeting events where young people gather. Additionally, Atlasz offers a discount system for younger members, regardless of their sexual orientation, to encourage participation.

Engagement with the expat community is also a priority. By collaborating with embassies and multinational companies, Atlasz aims to provide a supportive environment for foreign nationals, many of whom may feel isolated or disconnected from local LGBTQIA+ networks. The club has already translated its website into English to ensure that non-Hungarian speakers can easily access information and register for events.

Events and Social Activities: Building Stronger Bonds

Atlasz organizes a wide range of events throughout the year to engage its members and build a sense of community. Some upcoming events include:

  • Sports Day (March 2025): An open event where potential new members can try all the sports offered by Atlasz.
  • Summer Picnic: A laid-back event for members to socialize in a tranquil setting, with an open invitation to non-member friends, family, and partners.
  • Sports Camp (October 2024): A weekend event for members to enjoy sports and network with the local LGBTQIA+ community in Szeged.
  • Board Game Nights & Parties (November & February): Fun and informal events that provide opportunities for socializing.
  • Christmas Dinner (December): A special gathering for members to celebrate the festive season and strengthen community bonds.

Advocacy and Raising Awareness

Atlasz is deeply committed to raising awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in Hungary. The club’s participation in Budapest Pride is just one example of its ongoing commitment to visibility and social change. Atlasz also takes a stand when LGBTQIA+ individuals face discrimination. For example, after being denied access to swimming lanes, the club took legal action and won the case, sending a strong message about the importance of equality and inclusion.

Additionally, Atlasz has been an active voice against harmful legislation, such as the “Protect the Children” law, which contains provisions that harm the LGBTQIA+ community. By joining demonstrations and issuing public statements, Atlasz has shown its willingness to speak out against injustice.

Challenges and Future Aspirations

Despite its success, Atlasz faces ongoing challenges, particularly in attracting younger athletes. The club is keen to diversify its sports offerings to include popular activities such as bodybuilding and team sports, which are often sought after by younger people. Volleyball is on the horizon as a new sport to be introduced in the near future.

Looking ahead, Atlasz plans to expand its international connections and increase its involvement in global LGBTQIA+ sports competitions. The club is also focused on strengthening its volunteer base, ensuring that more athletes are able to take on leadership roles and contribute to the club’s continued success.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Atlasz Sports Club remains a beacon of inclusivity and community for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Hungary. Through its commitment to diversity, advocacy, and community-building, Atlasz has created a safe space where athletes can thrive and form lasting connections. As the club continues to grow, it invites all individuals who share its values to get involved, whether by participating in events, joining as a member, or volunteering their time and skills.

If you’re interested in supporting or becoming part of this dynamic community, visit the Atlasz website, follow them on social media, or join one of their upcoming events. Together, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ athletes in Hungary and beyond.

PREVIOUS ARTICLE:

PLUSS: Building a Sustainable and Impactful Organization

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