LGBTQ+ West Hollywood Soccer Club

Community safety

Central LA San Fernando Valley West LA City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

In 2024 alone, 750+ bills were introduced in the U.S. targeting the rights of LGBTQ+ people, particularly youth and transgender individuals. These attacks go beyond the political arena—they send a dangerous message that our community does not belong.
In response, the West Hollywood Soccer Club took tangible action by lowering our annual dues from $120 to $90. This was not just a financial decision—it was a commitment to removing barriers and making our club a more accessible and affirming space for all. We know that for many in our community, the ability to play, connect, and thrive in an affirming environment can be life-changing.
By creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment, we push back against this exclusion. We are building a model for what inclusive sports can look like—where every player is celebrated in their full identity, where safety is not a privilege but a standard, and where community thrives in the face of adversity.

This grant would be instrumental in helping WHSC expand its impact and deepen its commitment to community-driven, inclusive soccer. Our practices are designed to prioritize physical activity, stress relief, skill-building, and joy—free from the pressure of high-stakes competition. Our all volunteer leaders and experienced players facilitate sessions to ensure that all participants, regardless of skill level or athletic background, are welcome and supported. Practices offer a consistent space where players can show up, move their bodies and connect.The obstacle we face in sustaining these programs is the skyrocketing cost of field rentals—currently, it would cost around $4,000 per month to rent fields for two hours a night, 2x a week. Fields are not just a facility need; they are the literal space required to provide community safety, physical wellness, and mental health support. Without field access, our ability to offer consistent programming is severely limited. This is the core infrastructure of our club. To make our programs more accessible, we’ve reduced our annual dues from $120 to $90 for all members, and in the past, we’ve offered further discounted dues to women, nonbinary, and trans players. These measures have increased membership from historically excluded demographics. Cutting dues means we need to make up the financial difference elsewhere. We regularly fundraise through sponsorships to offset costs and provide scholarships and subsidies for those who need them.

Through the power of sport the community we cultivate on the field extends far beyond it. The friendships, support systems, and moments of solidarity ripple through our members’ lives and into the broader LA landscape. We’re helping shape a city where queer and trans people are not only visible but embraced—where authenticity is met with celebration. Our impact reaches neighborhoods, workplaces, and families across Los Angeles. When individuals feel safe and seen, they show up more fully in every area of their lives.This creates a cultural ripple effect that helps shift the norms of our city toward openness, empathy, and collective care. A city where LGBTQ+ youth can look to role models and see a future filled with possibility. A city where community isn’t based on sameness, but on shared respect, purpose, and love. WHSC isn’t just about sports—it’s about shaping the kind of city we all deserve to live in: connected, compassionate, and unapologetically human.