Experience Design, Brand Design, Operations + Strategy
Experience Design, Brand Design, Operations + Strategy
Experience Design, Brand Design, Operations + Strategy
Queer Courts
Queer Courts
Queer Courts: Designing Safe & Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ Connection Through Play
Queer Courts: Designing Safe & Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ Connection Through Play
Overview
In February 2024, I founded Queer Courts to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful space for LGBTQIA2S+ community members to heal, connect, and play through pickleball. What started as a small gathering has grown into a thriving 2,000-member community in Portland, Oregon, offering open plays, socials, tournaments, and leagues.
Problem to solve
Sports have always been a space for deep connection in my life—first as a young athlete and later as an adult. However, as an adult, sports often become more about movement practice, as teammates rush off to work, care for their families, and see to other responsibilities . Meanwhile, as anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation continues to escalate across the country, the need for safe, affirming spaces has never been more urgent.
How might we design spaces that foster healing, joy, and belonging through sport and play?
Building the Foundation
With just a name, an Instagram account, and a few friends, I started hosting casual pickleball meetups at local courts. The energy was immediate—newcomers felt welcomed, laughter echoed across the courts, and soon we were offering designated beginner, recreational, and competitive play spaces to ensure accessibility for all skill levels.
Growing with Intention
As Queer Courts grew, I led the design and strategy behind its evolution:
Brand Identity – Developed our first brand guidelines, establishing a recognizable and inclusive visual language.
Community Experience – Co-created core values and community guidelines with volunteers to shape a culture of inclusivity and support.
Digital & Visual Design – Oversaw a designer well-versed in Shopify, created graphics for merchandise, social media, and more than 20 events throughout 2024.
Finance & Operations - Set the budget, projections, and goals to keep the organization sustainable. Led the creation of by-laws and expectations as we work to become a 501c3.
Artifacts
Here's how Queer Courts evolved in 2024:
Overview
In February 2024, I founded Queer Courts to create a safe, inclusive, and joyful space for LGBTQIA2S+ community members to heal, connect, and play through pickleball. What started as a small gathering has grown into a thriving 2,000-member community in Portland, Oregon, offering open plays, socials, tournaments, and leagues.
Problem to solve
Sports have always been a space for deep connection in my life—first as a young athlete and later as an adult. However, as an adult, sports often become more about movement practice, as teammates rush off to work, care for their families, and see to other responsibilities . Meanwhile, as anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation continues to escalate across the country, the need for safe, affirming spaces has never been more urgent.
How might we design spaces that foster healing, joy, and belonging through sport and play?
Building the Foundation
With just a name, an Instagram account, and a few friends, I started hosting casual pickleball meetups at local courts. The energy was immediate—newcomers felt welcomed, laughter echoed across the courts, and soon we were offering designated beginner, recreational, and competitive play spaces to ensure accessibility for all skill levels.
Growing with Intention
As Queer Courts grew, I led the design and strategy behind its evolution:
Brand Identity – Developed our first brand guidelines, establishing a recognizable and inclusive visual language.
Community Experience – Co-created core values and community guidelines with volunteers to shape a culture of inclusivity and support.
Digital & Visual Design – Oversaw a designer well-versed in Shopify, created graphics for merchandise, social media, and more than 20 events throughout 2024.
Finance & Operations - Set the budget, projections, and goals to keep the organization sustainable. Led the creation of by-laws and expectations as we work to become a 501c3.
Artifacts
Here's how Queer Courts evolved in 2024:
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