Australian run club, Queer Run CBR, is a community where everyone, regardless of background and ability, can come together to move and connect. 

What is it about?  

In January 2024, Alex Lia founded Queer Run CBR, an LGBTIQA+ run club based in Canberra, Australia, to create a place for LGBTIQA+ people to come together, move, and connect. The club’s mission is to promote physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of community through their twice-weekly run sessions and special events. 

The club started with Alex convincing their queer social soccer team to come along to the first session. Alex now facilitates the club with their partner, Roxie Swart, and together they have grown the club to an incredible 600 members. 

Queer Run CBR is more than just a running club – it’s a community where everyone, regardless of background and ability, can come together to move and connect.  

One member shared that they are thankful to have found community through Queer Run CBR. “It holds a very special place for me. I rocked up alone for the first time, and was met by some of the most welcoming and kind people who were simply happy to be around each other”. 

Why is it important?  

The facilitators are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTIQA+ individuals and allies who share a passion for moving their bodies, in any type of exercise. 

The facilitators passionately believe physical activity and sport is for everyone. Studies have shown that 89% of trans young people experience peer rejection, which significantly impacts their ability to engaged in activities like sports. 

By promoting visibility and inclusion, we help to create a more supportive environment that encourages trans and gender diverse individuals to join and stay in sports, ultimately improving their wellbeing.   

Reflecting on their experience with the club, one member shared that, “Queer Run CBR has created an affirming space where I can move at my own pace and make new meaningful connections with the LGBTIQA+ community in Canberra”.  

Queer Run CBR was thrilled to receive a 2025 Capital of Equality Fund grant from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, in recognition of its community building focus. The grants are awarded to individuals and community groups that help remove barriers to equality and create a sense of community and belonging for LGBTIQA+ people. The grant will be used to facilitate guest speaker events and injury prevention sessions for members, among other things.  

رسائل إلى المنزل  

• Queer Run CBR is more than just a running club – it’s a community where everyone, regardless of background and ability, can come together to move and connect. 

• The club is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTIQA+ individuals and allies who share a passion for moving their bodies, in any type of exercise. 

• In recognition of its community building focus, the club was awarded a 2025 Capital of Equality Fund grant from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government.  

من تأليف: Alex Lia and Roxie Swart, Founders of Queer Run CBR