Water Polo for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
The MWPA is committed to providing a safe and affirming environment for our 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Allies are welcome. This is a brave space where all of our participants are free to be themselves without fear of judgment.
Fall/Winter 2026/27
We have secured pool space on Fridays again at CKRC and are still waiting on our request to add Tuesdays.
Where: Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (CKRC), 999 Sargent Avenue
When: October 2 to December 4 (Fridays) 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Who: age 16+
Membership Fee: Annual MWPA and Water Polo Canada Community Athlete Membership
$40 total (for insurance purposes)
Program fees:
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10 weeks for $120
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5 weeks for $75 (doesn’t have to be consecutive)
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one-time drop-in $20
This program is suitable for beginners and those that may have played years ago. No previous water polo experience is required, however individuals must be able to swim in deep water. Time will be spent learning the rules, basic skills and strategies to play water polo at a recreational level.
We hope to attend at least one tournament in the spring - which could be the International Group of LGBTQIA+ Aquatics (IGLA+) in Montreal July 30 - August 5, 2027.
Never tried water polo before? Water Polo Canada offers a "free trial" membership for insurance purposes, we just ask that you pay $20 towards the pool time and coaches.
To support our commitment to participation by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, if finances are preventing you from joining, please send an e-mail in confidence to office@manitobawaterpolo.com
What does it mean to be an ALLY?
An ally is someone who stands up for, supports and encourages the people around them regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to improve the experience of and make the world a better place for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
There is no such thing as a silent ally
Being an ally means respecting and accepting all people.
It’s important to educate yourself, so that the burden of education isn’t on the LGBTQ+ people you want to be an ally to.
Be a safe space when discussing difficult topics and utilize empathetic listening practices such as reflecting language, validating experiences, staying present, being non-judgemental and expressing care, concern and encouragement.
Use colleagues’ pronouns correctly and consistently. Model sharing pronouns in meetings, in email signatures, and on web platforms.
Part of being a good ally means encouraging your friends and family to be better allies and standing up to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia wherever you see it, even when only cis-het people are present. Sometimes, this means standing up to the people you love when they are wrong. When someone uses a harmful or derogatory term, call them out. It may be uncomfortable, but doing so helps bring awareness and visibility to the LGBTQ+ community.
Many civil rights movements are successful because people from nearly every part of society stood shoulder to shoulder in fighting bias. The work to make the world safer and fairer for LGBTQ+ people will take the effort and understanding of all people from all walks of life, of all genders and sexual orientations.
FAQs
What do I need for equipment? All you need is your bathing suit. Water polo caps will be loaned to the players. Any kind of bathing suit is acceptable. Some choose to wear rashguards or tank tops and shorts - whatever makes you feel comfortable!
For safety: You should remove or cover piercings, remove jewelry and make sure the nails of your hands and feet are short. Goggles are not recommended because of the risk in getting a ball in the face.
After practice: drink lots of water and stretch those muscles!
Resources
The Triggerfish club in Toronto has put together a series of educational "Chalk Talks" that are available online: https://www.triggerfishwaterpolo.ca/skills-library
Basic Rules of the game: https://www.waterpolo.ca/content/Water-Polo-Basic-Rules