Team New York Aquatics (also referred to as TNYA) is a Masters level swim, water polo and diving team based in New York City to foster aquatic sports amongst gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender athletes and their heterosexual allies. TNYA has a membership of over 500 swimmers, divers, and water polo players.TNYA is recognized as the largest Masters level swim team in New York City and the largest LGBT swim team in the world.
TNYA was organized in 1988 as a New York membership not-for-profit in preparation for the Gay Games III held in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1990. Section 1.2 of the Bylaws of TNYA state that the mission of TNYA is (a) to support and develop lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-gay amateur athletes for national or international competition, (b) to promote participation in aquatic sports such as swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming, among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-gay individuals, (c) to provide an atmosphere where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-gay athletes can practice together in mutual understanding and support, and (d) to provide an opportunity for athletes of all abilities to participate in organized practices and competitions in a team atmosphere and so to achieve their own goals in their aquatic sports.
TNYA is affiliated with United States Masters Swimming (USMS), USA Diving, and USA Water Polo (USAWP).TNYA competes in the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics annual meet, the Gay Games held every four years, and a variety of regional and local competitions.
TNYA has 18 swim workouts per week at pools at Columbia University, John Jay College, Baruch College, and Long Island University, 2 polo practices at Chelsea Recreation Center and Asphalt Green, and 1 springboard diving practice at Columbia University. Members range in age from 20 to 85 years old. The minimum age to participate in Masters swimming is 18.
By: Sting Ray
I've worked out with many teams over the years. After recently moving to New York, I eagerly (attempted) to join Team New York aquatics (TNYA). After paying one of the most expensive workout fees in the aquatics world and traveling over 45 minuets to get to a pool, I was informed that they limit how many people they allow to swim in each lane. After venting my frustration, I returned to dress and noted three swimmers just arriving. Later, I observed all three of these (long time members) were allowed to swim. I was never informed of such a policy and by the behavior of the director, it appears to be a good old (gay) boys club. Its never easy being gay, I've met persecution in many forms, but never expected it here. Not surprisingly, I found more acceptance at on the straight team. From now on, when it comes to competition, I'll be scoring points for the straight guys after this experience.
