Our pick of LGBTQ+ associations

Note that most of the associations supporting health or LGBTQ+ rights have their headquarters and offices in the LGBTI+ Centre at 19 rue des Capucins, Lyon 1st, on the slopes of Croix Rousse hill.
Further info available at: centrelgbtilyon.org

Want to break a sweat and get the adrenaline pumping? Get your boots on! 

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sportsperson, here are a few associations in Lyon to let off some steam in a fun and friendly atmosphere! They include:

Les Rebelyons

Here are the real stars of Lyon’s sports scene! It’s not so much about rebellion as it is battling it out on the pitch (with a friendly attitude!). Joking aside, Les Rebelyons is an association founded in 2007 to promote a positive image of homosexuality and inclusion in a sport that has a reputation as being strongly gendered and not very LGBT-friendly: rugby. Here, rugby’s universal values are upheld: inclusion, camaraderie, solidarity, and surpassing oneself, while respecting the rules and referees. Everybody is welcome, whatever their level. There are weekly training sessions and regular competitions.

Further info available at LGBTI+ Centre: 19 rue des Capucins, Lyon 1st 

Cargo

Cargo stands for ‘Cercle Associatif Rhônalpin Gay Omnisport’. This sports association (a non-profit organisation) was created in 1998. It was one of France’s first gay and lesbian multi-sports associations. Cargo is Lyon’s main gay sports association and offers a variety of disciplines (badminton, handball, volleyball, natation, squash…); the only difficulty is choosing! You don’t need to be a hotshot as Cargo welcomes members of all ages and levels.

Cargo, 8 place du Traité de Rome, Lyon 7th

Rando’s  Rhône-Alpes 

For nature lovers, this association founded in 1987 organises outings in a friendly atmosphere (hiking, mountain biking, skiing or snowshoeing). Rather than competition, it’s all about meeting people and getting together for outdoor activities and outings. There are various levels of difficulty and assistance is provided by experienced people. Set off to explore forests, mountains and trails! 

Further info at: randos-rhone-alpes.org

But that’s not all: there is also VCGL, a volleyball association that takes part in competitions throughout France, and AMA, founded in 1984, which brings together nearly 140 motorcycle fans. The Rhône-Alpes branch organises fun activities and long outings.

Do you prefer a calmer activity for the mind?

This may interest you: 

Ecrans Mixtes Festival

This queer film festival has gradually established itself as an institution for all cinema lovers, LGBT or otherwise. Since March 2011, the cinema association EM has brought its excellent selection of rarely seen independent, underground and art films to big screens around the Lyon metropolitan area for a dozen days. This queer-oriented festival acclaimed by France’s cultural press is partnered with many cinemas and institutions in Lyon. With screenings, retrospectives and meetings, it has already attracted some big names in world cinema to Lyon, like John Waters, Gregg Araki ou Bruce LaBruce... Lights, camera, action!

Further info at: festival-em.org

Intérieur Queer Festival

For a few days in July, this festival celebrates the diversity of queer culture in Lyon through exhibitions, meetings, debates, music and parties. Created in 2018 by ArtyFarty and the collective Plus Belle La Nuit, Intérieur Queer describes itself as a "festival of exchanges, artistic and musical emergence, meetings and diversity; a celebratory manifesto that questions representations of genders and sexual identities, and gives pride of place to contemporary music.” Bringing together various associations and partners in Lyon, this festival offers many free activities and is held in various locations around Lyon. Intérieur Queer: let your personality shine!

Further info at: interieurqueer.eu

Our bonus pick: Maison de la Diversité

This is a first in France! An LGBT retirement home is set to open its doors in Lyon in 2024! Given that 65% of gay senior citizens live alone, with no family support, this is excellent news. Initiated by the Association "Les Audacieuses et les Audacieux", the plan is to create a participative and shared residence in a new five-floor building covering 650 m², with a garden, in Lyon’s Croix Rousse district. Anything but a “ghetto for gays”, the Maison de la Diversité is supported by Greater Lyon and will welcome 12 residents. Its aim is to provide a space for the elderly based on the values of protection and tolerance. We applaud this innovative idea!

Further info at: rainbold.fr