Sometimes, a vision comes together through intense planning. Other times, it starts with a conversation.
For Larry Ervin, Stonewall Sports was born from the latter – a simple conversation.
“For us, it started at a coffee shop,” says Larry Ervin, president of Stonewall Sports Indianapolis. “Me and another founding member were talking about what we could bring to the community in 2020. We wanted something that was like no other. We wanted to be welcoming and promote the growth of Indianapolis while creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals.”
As the 21st chapter to be added, Stonewall Sports of Indianapolis provides a fun, low-cost place for recreation and community building, while creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals who are encouraged to come as their true and authentic selves.
“Stonewall Sports is completely different from other organizations,” says Ervin. “The board does this for free because we are dedicated to giving back to the community and providing an outlet for the LGBTQ+ community so that they can be their authentic selves on the field.”
Stonewall Sports of Indianapolis opened its doors in 2020, a difficult time for group sports. Now the group is celebrating its five-year anniversary, and participation has rocketed from about 100 people to more than 2,800.
“We just keep on growing,” says Ervin. “All of us at Stonewall Sports are doing this to make sure everyone has a welcoming place to play sports and be part of a community of people who care.”
The Indianapolis chapter now offers seven leagues including kickball, pickleball, volleyball, softball, dodgeball, duckpin and the newly added trivia. Participants can choose between competitive or recreation leagues. Registration is required and can be accessed at stonewallindianapolis.leagueapps.com/leagues. Registrants receive a team uniform and ongoing communications about upcoming events.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the group relies on donations and volunteers to provide affordable access to recreation. But they also make it a priority to support other local organizations and LGBTQ+ allies within the community.
“Our mission is philanthropic,” says Ervin. “We want to give back to the communities we are playing in and support other nonprofits and ally organizations. We know it takes a village to bring folks together. We give our participants a chance to vote on these organizations so that the funds go to places they know and support.”
Stonewall Sports has made contributions to local nonprofits including Trinity Haven, Step Up, Indiana Youth Group and others. The group’s leaders also make it their mission to unite people to foster conversations about larger issues.
“We’re building a community,” says Ervin. “We want people to come together to talk about economical and societal issues and discuss ways we can improve together.”
Although the group is located in central Indiana, participants come from all over the state and even outside the state to participate. The softball and kickball leagues have experienced notable success in Indianapolis.
Stonewall Sports of Indianapolis is excited to be celebrating its five-year anniversary in 2025. In recognition of that milestone, the group will be hosting its first annual fundraiser event on February 8 at The Crane Bay Event Center. Attendees are invited to show their Stonewall pride and enjoy a night of celebration, awards and special highlights from the Stonewall journey. General admission and VIP tickets are available for purchase at stonewallindianapolis.leagueapps.com/pages/ssifiveyearanniversary.
And the Stonewall team isn’t stopping there. Stonewall Sports will continue its celebration all year long. If you’re looking for ways to help support the group, you can volunteer to help set up, tear down, or officiate sports events, as well as serve on the board. Interested parties should contact indy.president@stonewallsports.org.
Sponsorships are also welcome. Inquiries should be sent to the sponsorship director at indy.president@stonewallsports.org.
“It’s been quite a journey, but we’re really proud of what we’re doing for the community and I can’t wait to see where we go next,” says Ervin.
