Ever fancied learning to sword fight with a bunch of fellow queer pirates? Well, 2027 might just be your year!
We're gauging interest in launching the Queer Pirates Fencing Club, a queer-focused subgroup of Van Diemen Fencing Club in Hobart.
Van Diemen Fencing Club is already a welcoming, inclusive, and wonderfully diverse fencing community, but sometimes the queer community needs its own space to be especially piratey!
Sessions will be run by your friendly neighbourhood trans & ADHD fencing coach, Avery Holderness-Roddam (he/him), teaching you how to fence with the Épée (one of the three weapons used in modern fencing).
Fencing is a fantastic mix of strategy, coordination, problem-solving, and trying to outsmart someone who's trying to outsmart you! It's also a VERY neurodivergent-friendly sport. We're fairly convinced that 90%+ of fencers are neurodivergent badasses. (Source: vibes and extensive anecdotal evidence. Just meet us. You'll see.)
A few things to know:
No experience necessary! Beginners are very welcome. Nay. Encouraged!
All fencing equipment will be provided for beginners.
Modern protective equipment and strict safety rules make fencing a safe, well-regulated sport.
Sessions will be covered by insurance through Van Diemen Fencing Club.
If we can swing it, we'll settle in to watch an episode of Our Flag Means Death after each fencing session.
Interested in joining the crew?
Click the image above and fill out the Expression of Interest form to help us work out whether we have enough prospective pirates to set sail in 2027! We'll review responses after the Tas Pride Parade in mid-February, and we'll be in touch soon after!
All genders, bodies, abilities, and levels of swashbuckling experience welcome!