What started as a modest queer bowling league in the now-shuttered Forward Lanes back in 2015 has blossomed into one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved LGBTQ+ sports communities. As Stonewall Sports Pittsburgh Bowling rolls into its tenth year in 2025, the league is looking to go even bigger, bolder, and more beautiful, and it’s asking for your input to make that happen.
With over 200+ bowlers filling lanes each season and registration often hitting capacity faster than a strike in the 10th frame, it’s clear: Pittsburgh queers love to bowl. But growth has its limits when there are only so many lanes available on league nights. So, what’s next for the gayest game in town?
Enter Miracle Lanes in Monroeville, a potential second home for the league. The proposal? Keep the flagship “central” league nights at Bowlero in Greentree and launch an “east” league in Monroeville with the same format, same schedule, just a whole new vibe for our suburban sisters and siblings.
Each league would host its own season, but with a shared “fun night” where bowlers across locations can mingle, compete, and create community. Like a bowling family reunion with glitter and gutterballs.
“Having an affirming space for bowling in Monroeville would expand the overall geographical reach of Stonewall Sport Pittsburgh into the eastern communities where dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces aren’t as prevalent,” said Bowling Commissioner Brian McCollum. And honestly? He’s right. Access matters especially when it comes to joy, visibility, and queer-friendly spaces outside the urban core.
The Expansion Idea Needs You
This expansion won’t happen in a vacuum. Stonewall Bowling is putting the call out to past, present, and future bowlers to help shape the league’s next chapter. Whether you’re a league regular, a curious newbie, or a suburbanite looking for your people, your feedback is essential.
Right now, the league is gathering responses to a survey to gauge interest and feasibility. Filling it out doesn’t mean you’re committing to join a season. It just helps the league understand if the Monroeville idea is a strike or a split. Plus, they’re looking to identify new leadership to help guide the second location if it gets the green light.
This moment is about more than bowling. It’s about how we expand queer joy into every corner of our region. It’s about the power of community sports to create lasting friendships, silly rituals, and safe spaces. It’s about people finding each other in the most unexpected of places, like lane 12 at 9pm on a Tuesday night.
So here’s to ten years of strikes, spares, and stunning split saves. Here’s to sweaty high-fives and glitter bowling shirts. And here’s to a possible new era of Stonewall Sports Bowling. One that reaches even more of our beautiful, vibrant, fiercely queer Pittsburgh family.
