How a Trans Athlete Built Mexico's First LGBTQ+ Powerlifting Sanctuary

Christian Montoya, a trans man from Mexico State, has spent years battling discrimination in sports. After facing rejection in soccer, taekwondo and other disciplines, he turned to powerlifting. His struggles led him to create a space where others like him could train without fear—Fuerza Diversx, an inclusive gym for the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico City. Montoya’s journey in sports was marked by constant setbacks. Verbal abuse and employment barriers followed him because of his trans identity. In his pursuit of acceptance, he pushed his body to dangerous limits, often collapsing in tears during gruelling workouts. Eventually, he chose a different path—one focused on performance and self-love rather than punishment.

The idea for Fuerza Diversx grew from his own experiences and the stories of others. Many LGBTQ+ individuals avoided traditional gyms due to violence and discrimination. Montoya wanted a place where people could train safely, free from judgement. The gym, located at Av. José Vasconcelos 125 in San Miguel Chapultepec, operates Monday to Friday, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

At Fuerza Diversx, training is personalised and responsible. The focus is on strength and health, not rigid beauty standards. Casa La Moira, the building where the gym is based, supports accessibility by offering scholarships covering 30% to 100% of membership costs. Fuerza Diversx now stands as a refuge for those shut out of mainstream fitness spaces. Montoya’s shift from self-destruction to empowerment has created a community built on respect. The gym’s scholarships and inclusive approach ensure that more people can train without fear of exclusion.