WSU offers a slew of fitness programs on campus, but Queer Pole Fit stands out from the rest — it is both free and requires no registration, so you can commit as much or as little as you want.
The main feature of the class is the queer label. It is meant to be a place where those who may not traditionally fit in are welcome and supported in their fitness journey, said Laura Yasinitsky, University Recreation fitness coordinator.
As a non-binary person, they almost always hear pole classes being addressed to the “ladies.” While it is not a huge deal to them, it still stings. By creating an explicitly queer space like they provide in the program, it promotes an opportunity for more inclusion in pole fitness, Ri Scovel, Queer Pole Fit instructor, said.
“This is labeled queer. You’re allowed to present however you are, and you will be seen exactly in that way,” Yasinitsky said.
Unlike the average class, it is also completely open to the general public — you just have to walk in and participate.
Yasinitsky had the idea for a queer pole fit class last autumn. She got the program officially started in January 2024, which has since been going strong.
One goal she mentioned in creating this program was to create a supportive zone for queer people in fitness, particularly in pole. The program also strives to break boundaries by normalizing the fitness of pole dancing, a heavily stereotyped sport.
“We want to break those and create a safe space for people so they can participate and try something new,” she said.
The class is especially friendly towards first-time participants, as every class is aimed at beginners. Where other pole fit classes ramp up the difficulty and close registration partway through the semester, Queer Pole Fit remains open and accessible to anyone, regardless of skill level.
“This is an always walk-in friendly class. Come and try pole, give it a shot — it’s free,” Scovel said.
There is a big focus on getting more people into pole and removing the intimidation the word carries, according to Yasinitsky. Many people view pole dancing as “extreme athletics,” which is not necessarily true, especially at first.
“Everyone has to start somewhere,” she said. “If you have never done pole before, it’s the perfect place to start. You can come at any time.”
The class regularly attracts new people. Scovel said they see at least one if not more first-time participants weekly.
Because the program is a queer-friendly space, they wanted it to be accessible to as many people as possible. This is why it is not only beginner-friendly, but also free to the public, said Scovel.
The University of Idaho did not have any pole fitness classes and Scovel wanted them to have access to this queer space. Other WSU pole-fit classes are only open to students.
“It was one thing Laura and I fought really hard for,” they said.
Overall, Queer Pole Fit provides a space for queer individuals to break into the gym atmosphere and have fun, make friends and maybe even find a new hobby, said Yasinitsky.
“I don’t think it’s something that people will think is for everybody,” Yasinitsky said. “It definitely can be for everybody. I hope this will just encourage people to come; they might love it.”
While still in the works, Yasinitsky is looking to have more queer-labeled fitness programs at WSU. Seeing the success of Queer Pole Fit, she said she is confident in the potential interest and support it can give the LGBTQ+ community on campus and beyond.
Queer Pole Fit meets from 5:15–6:15 p.m. every Friday in the Stephenson Fitness Center room 101A. A full schedule for campus fitness classes can be found on the UREC website.
