Wendling decided if he ever moved back to Michigan, he would create something similar. In 2020, He ended up moving back to Lansing and started the league, GAAY Sports. Wendling wanted to create environment that is safe for LGBTQ+ members, like the one he felt in Orlando.

“Traditionally, gay bars have been the only safe spaces we’ve had to gather,” Wendling said. "So this gives us another opportunity for people who might not be interested in going to bars.”

Member Syd Schlenkermann said having the sports league as a safe space is the most important part of the program, because there are few spaces that are comfortable for queer people to be in. 

“So many spaces are not safe, just an overwhelming amount of not safe spaces,” Schlenkermann said. “Part of (the league) is being able to be whatever you are and makes it feel safe to be.”

Wendling said GAAY Sports' name might make it seem like the league is only for gay people, but it's inclusive and accepting of everybody in the community, as well as straight people who are allies. They do not discriminate in any way and encourage people of all backgrounds to join.

“I think we’re an extremely diverse community. Even within the LGBT community, we have people that are gay, bisexual, trans, just people who are straight allies participating in the leagues,” Wendling said. “We have people of all different ethnic backgrounds as well.”

Alexis Wood’s joined GAAY in early February, but she said she already realizes how inclusive and friendly the community is. It's not only a great place to meet people, but also a hub for LGBTQ+ people to feel comfortable in, according to Wood.

“It’s a safe space for everybody, no matter what you identify as or who you are with,” Wood said. “We’re all going to have a good time, make friends and enjoy each other’s company.”

Angela Tripi has been involved with the league since it formed. She's come to understand that for some people, GAAY Sports might be vital to their lives. 

“It’s important to be able to know where’s the safest place space for me to feel visible – and that’s what this program is,” Tripi said. “So, you can just be yourself, don’t worry about it.”

MSU social relations and policy junior Roxie Richner is younger than the average member of GAAY Sports League, as most of the people that come to the weekly activities are in their late 20s and 30s. 

But Richner doesn't mind being younger and finds it interesting to be connected with those older than her that are also in the LGBTQ+ community. 

“Everyone is just super supportive and sweet. Everyone really wants to get to know you and have a good time and play sports,” Richner said. “Sports leagues that are a space for queer people (are) a great way to connect and feel like there’s a lack of judgment and just full embrace of who everyone is.”

GAAY Sports now has over 130 people participating and offers dodgeball, axe throwing, kickball and bowling. Wendling hopes to add shuffleboard into the mix of sports in coordination with Lansing Shuffle.

Although Wendling’s league has been successful since it first started, he has a vision of expanding it and including more sports, possible outside of Lansing. 

“I’d like to be able to offer sports every season, so all four seasons have something going on with at least 100 people participating,” Wendling said. “I’d love to see us continue to grow into other cities across the state.”

GAAY Sports dodgeball takes place every Sunday at the Hannah Community Center at 4 p.m., axe throwing takes place at Spare Time Entertainment on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., bowling takes place at Spare Time Entertainment on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Kickball will be offered in the spring.

Information about joining GAAY Sports can be found online.