OutLoud Sports, the nation’s original LGBTQ+ and allies recreational sports league, is officially launching in Salt Lake City this month, bringing inclusive, low-pressure sports and social connection to Utah’s LGBTQ+ community.
“I’m just super excited to create another queer space that people can find community in,” said Jacob Buck, city manager for OutLoud Sports Salt Lake City. Buck previously helped found Stonewall Sports SLC and says this new league fills an important gap. “I just feel like there’s a lot of different spaces either going away or not as many queer spaces coming out, and so I wanted to create one more space people could have to build a community through sports and make connections.”
OutLoud Sports is open to anyone 21 and over who identifies as LGBTQ+ or as an ally. “You just need to be respectful and affirming to people’s identities that might be different than yours,” Buck said. The league will launch with indoor volleyball in January, followed by three-on-three basketball in February, with plans for softball and pickleball in the spring.
Beyond competition, Buck emphasized the mental health and community benefits. “Sometimes people just need a place every week that they know they’re going to be around similar people than them,” he said. “Every week at this time, I know I have something to look forward to.”
The league will celebrate its debut with a free community kickoff event on January 23, featuring music, performances, and opportunities to meet fellow players. The interview aired on Avanza 88.3 KUUB as part of its focus on community connection and belonging.
Jacob Buck is is also the founder and CEO of VolunQueer, a community-focused platform, and was recently named one of Utah Business magazine’s 40 Under 40, recognizing his leadership and impact across the state.
To register for the launch event, visit: https://partiful.com/e/4JyybgeHJqEFlqU8zFqb.
To learn more, visit: https://outloudsaltlake.leagueapps.com/leagues/volleyball-(indoor)/4821132-ols-slc-winter-indoor-volleyball-2026.
OutLoud Sports lanza ligas inclusivas LGBTQ+ en Salt Lake City
OutLoud Sports, la liga recreativa LGBTQ+ original del país, se lanza este mes en Salt Lake City bajo el liderazgo de Jacob Buck, City Manager de la organización. La liga ofrecerá deportes inclusivos y de baja presión para personas LGBTQ+ y aliades mayores de 21 años, comenzando con voleibol bajo techo, seguido de baloncesto 3 vs. 3 y, más adelante, softbol y pickleball. Buck destaca que el objetivo es crear espacios seguros de comunidad, bienestar y conexión, especialmente importantes para la salud mental y el sentido de pertenencia. La iniciativa fue presentada en Avanza 88.3 e incluye un evento comunitario gratuito de lanzamiento el 23 de enero.