For many LGBTQIA+ athletes , stepping onto the field isn’t just about competition, it’s about survival. In a world where queer identities are often met with hostility, finding a space to belong can be life-saving.

“When I was 16 years old, I attempted taking my life three times,” says Johnny Loaiza, the commissioner of the Phoenix Gay Flag Football League. “So for me, sports was always an outlet. Going into the Phoenix Gay Flag Football League was really just another opportunity, as I felt I was falling out of love with sports.”

The Phoenix Gay Flag Football League isn’t just a sports league – it’s a safe haven. Designed to foster community and inclusion, the league has grown into one of the largest LGBTQIA+ sports organizations in the Phoenix area. For players such as Loaiza and man

See Full Page