For many people, walking into a gym is routine. But for queer and trans folks, it’s often a calculated risk. Combat sports spaces can be gendered, rigid, and unforgiving—not just physically, but socially. Being asked to “pick a side,” being stared at, misgendered, or treated like a problem to be managed instead of an athlete to be trained. For some, it becomes a reason to quit before they ever get started. Queer MMA exists as a space where queer and trans athletes can show up exactly as they are—no explanations, no negotiations, no bracing for impact before training even begins.

What is Queer MMA?

Queer MMA, which started in August of 2025, is a free monthly program to increase access to combat sports in the LGBTQ+ community. This program is run entirely by LGBTQ+ volunteers, led by trans MMA coach Lu Villarreal (@coach.lu.atx), and hosted by Black Widow MMA. This program provides a safe and affirming training environment for queer and trans folks who may not feel welcome in mainstream MMA spaces, or who cannot afford tuition to become a member at a mainstream gym. By the end of 2025, Queer MMA had reached over 100 LGBTQ+ people in central Texas. We expect our reach to continue to grow in 2026. Registrations for our January 18th session reached our 50 person capacity more than a week ahead of when the event was scheduled.

What is this fundraiser for?

Our goal is to raise $2000 to send a team of five LGBTQ+ BJJ athletes from the Austin area to Seattle, WA on March 7th to participate in SubQ Queer Grappling Tournament, a BJJ tournament for queer athletes with no gender categories. In addition to celebrating queer participation in combat sports, this event is one of very few opportunities in the United States for trans, non-binary, intersex, and gender-expansive BJJ athletes to compete without fear of their identities facing scrutiny. Funds raised will go directly towards paying for plane tickets, lodging, transportation, food, and registration fees for the team. In the event that we exceed our goal, any leftover funds will go towards purchasing equipment for Queer MMA, such as mouthguards, gloves, shin guards, and striking pads.

What is the impact?

For many of our athletes, this may be the first time they compete feeling fully safe—not tolerated, not accommodated, but welcomed. Your support does more than cover flights or registration fees. It tells these athletes: You belong here. Your effort matters. Your presence in this sport is worth investing in. Visibility creates permission. Opportunity creates momentum. By helping us get to Seattle, you’re not just funding a trip—you’re helping expand what combat sports can look like, and who gets to be seen thriving in them.