GREENFIELD, Wis. — The Milwaukee Gay Sports Network (MGSN) promotes inclusivity and activism.
Peter Niss participates in the MGSN bowling league, which meets once a week in the spring and once every two weeks in the fall at Classic Lanes in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
Niss said he joined the league all those years ago for one reason and one reason only.
“I was trying to meet new friends,” Niss said, “and actually, I met all of my friends through the sports I participated in.”
For Nys, the biggest benefit of implementing MGSN is that it allows all LGBTQ sports leagues in the Milwaukee area to feel connected.
“Before MGSN, each sport was on their own when it came to acquiring new talent and things like that, but I think MGSN has made it a family,” Nys said.
Jake Putman, current president of MGSN, said the organization prides itself on getting more people to play in sports leagues like bowling, darts, rugby, softball, volleyball and tennis, as well as supporting LGBTQ causes.
“Athletics has incredible health and wellness benefits for those who can participate, particularly members of the LGBT community who have historically been excluded from these environments,” Putman said.
Niss said the network provides a welcoming space for LGBTQ people and sports fans.
“We’re really big on having everybody involved, it doesn’t matter what level of expertise you have, and that’s a good thing, and the older generation helps the younger generation in terms of inclusivity and everything,” Niss said.
Niss and Putman said they’ve found their community through MGSN and hope others can do the same.
