Atlanta Bucks: Georgia’s First Inclusive Gay Rugby Team Evolves
The Atlanta Bucks, recognized as Georgia’s first inclusive gay rugby team, gathered at a park in East Atlanta on a Monday night to practice for their opening match of the season, continuing a two-decade history of providing a competitive and supportive environment for players of all backgrounds, cbsnews.com reported.
Building Community and Support On and Off the Field
Founded in July 2003, the club was established to create a welcoming space for gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied players across the Atlanta community, according to igrugby.org. Over the years, the roster has grown to include both members of the LGBTQ community and straight allies. Player Manny Baza-Fainn noted that the atmosphere encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones. Several players shared that sports did not feel safe for them during their youth, citing experiences with bullying that contrasted sharply with the environment cultivated by the team.
Beyond athletic drills, the team meets weekly to build community and gathers away from the field for trivia nights at a local bar. Baza-Fainn mentioned that the club helped him manage social anxiety following his arrival. When his husband, Anthony, faced open-heart surgery the day before a key one-on-one session, Baza-Fainn worried about missing team commitments, but noted that teammates preserved his spot and offered steady support through the crisis.
Bucks Secure Third Place at International Tournaments
The team’s schedule extends well beyond local practices. The Bucks traveled to Brisbane, Australia, for the Bingham Cup, placing third in their tier out of 16 teams. In June, the club secured third place out of eight teams at the Pride Cup Scrum in the Sun tournament held in Orlando. These international and regional appearances build on a history that includes lifting the Bingham Cup in both 2008 and 2012, alongside a third-place finish in the Challenger Division at the 2024 Bingham Cup, as documented by igrugby.org.
Entering the new season, the club operates under new leadership with a newly appointed president and updated jersey kits. Anthony Baza-Fainn, who manages the team’s sponsor, observed that participation in the club helped his husband become more outgoing. Co-captain Colin Mackey also noted that the inclusive environment fostered personal connections, mentioning that he met his current boyfriend through the team.
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