Baltic Boxing offers free lessons for LGBTQ+ Community

In the last few weeks, the LGBTQ+ community has faced homophobic-driven violence and in response to this Baltic Boxing decided to offer free boxing lessons to show their support.

We had a catch up with Lorna Dougherty, the face behind Baltic Boxing, and she told us how boxing training sessions are a good way to boost mental health.

PR: Can you tell me a little about what you do at the Baltic Boxing and what influenced you to start the business?

LD: Baltic Boxing is a safe space to learn and train boxing. It is aimed at LGBTQ+ members of society and survivors of sexual violence. I have always loved boxing and coached boxing.

I am a survivor of sexual violence, and it was only after I had been through the incident, I realized how much you are not respected as a woman. I loved training boxing and it helped boost my confidence.

So, I am hoping it will do the same for other women and the members of the LGBTQ+

PR: According to you, why is boxing such an important sport?

Sport, in general, helps boost mental health.

Boxing allows your body to feel empowered and strong.

There is an instant release of built-up emotion when you hit a punch bag or pads.

It allows you to learn control and discipline which you can transfer to other parts of your life.

PR: You are offering free lessons tonight for anyone that identifies as LGBTQ+, what made you come to this decision?

My classes have always been available to the LGBTQ+.

I believe that it is important to have a safe space, sports, and the gym is often too gender-oriented and make LGBTQ+ socially excluded.

With the recent homophobic attacks in Liverpool, I thought it would be important to allow this community to have something to let out their anger and potentially feel more safe and confident walking in the streets.

Having it free means they can come and try it out and see if they like it.

If they want to come again, they are more than welcome, and if they only come once then I hope they feel better after the one session.

To book your free lesson tonight direct message Baltic Boxing on Instagram.