/ Built in New Mexico. Made for belonging. Q Ball Nation.
Where the Idea Began?
Q Ball Nation grew out of an experience I had after moving away from New Mexico. My partner and I were new to a city where we did not know anyone, and we were looking for a way to meet people, get out of our comfort zones, and feel more connected.
By chance, we found an LGBTQ+ dodgeball league. Signing up was intimidating at first—we did not know anyone and were not sure what to expect. Instead of requesting to be placed on the same team, we signed up individually so we would have more opportunities to meet people outside of our own comfort zone.
What we found was much more than a place to play dodgeball. It was a welcoming community filled with people at different skill levels who showed up to compete, have fun, and make genuine connections. Over time, we met people we likely never would have crossed paths with otherwise, and many of those connections became real friendships.
That experience stayed with me. It showed me how powerful it can be to have a regular place to go, a reason to show up, and an easy way to meet people beyond the circles you might otherwise move through. As adults, making new friends can be hard—especially when life gets busy, routines become familiar, and so much connection happens through screens instead of face-to-face.
When we moved back to Albuquerque, I kept thinking about what it could look like to build that kind of space here: a queer-centered league where LGBTQ+ people and allies could come as they are, try something new, meet people beyond their usual networks, and enjoy a little friendly competition.
That is why Q Ball Nation exists. It is not about being the best player or arriving with an established team. It is about showing up, having fun, and helping build a community from the ground up—one where people can feel comfortable being themselves and where new friendships have room to begin.
My hope is that someone can walk into Q Ball Nation not knowing anyone and leave feeling like they have found their people.
Authenticity Welcome. Play Proud.
This is a real league, built with care from the ground up. We’ll have teams, schedules, and friendly competition—but just as importantly, we’re creating a place for New Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community and allies to meet, play, and belong.