Uplifted Titans is a queer owned gym created by and for people with lived experience of being LGBTQIA+ and navigating trauma.
The journey began in 2020/21 when co-founder Sam McPherson established the charity Uplifted to improve access to strength sports, movement and exercise for people who face barriers to using mainstream fitness spaces.
Drawing on a background in trauma support and violence prevention, Sam applied a trauma-informed approach to gym environments and strength sports, informed by research on the role of strength training and resistance training in supporting trauma recovery.
As the charity grew, Uplifted became focused on building a welcoming space where people could learn, grow, and improve their mental and physical wellbeing within a supportive community.
The next chapter began when Sam met Dee, who had her own training space. They quickly realised they shared the same values and vision. Inspired by Dee’s strongwoman career, and motivated by what Uplifted had already built, they joined forces to create Uplifted Titans!
Sam says:
“Powerlifting is a powerful way to boost both physical and mental wellbeing. It allows people to discover what they’re capable of – often surprising themselves with their own strength. There’s such a mental boost from lifting weights, and when you combine that with being part of a supportive and inclusive community, it feels pretty special.”
LEAP Sports Scotland Festival Fortnight
Festival Fortnight is Scotland's LGBTIQ+ sports festival, coordinated by LEAP Sports, taking place on the 13 to the 28 of June.
As part of their second birthday celebrations, Uplifted Titans will be taking part in LEAP Sports Festival Fortnight with the official launch of the first Non-Gendered Powerlifting Federation.
The powerlifting meet (competition) will be held on Sunday 28 June, involving three lifts, deadlift, bench and squat. The event will also give non-competitors, beginners or those looking to try something new, the opportunity to learn lifts with experienced coaches.
Sam said, “We have lots of weights available and can make adaptations for a lot of different levels and mobility limitations. The aim of these tasters is to allow people to learn how to perform the lifts in a safe and supportive environment and get a feel for powerlifting.”
Sam added, “We are all there to celebrate each other and to build an inclusive future for strength sports. Come along, have fun, meet new people, learn to lift, have some cupcakes and listen to our amazing DJs.”
Festival Fortnight has been running since 2013 and features over 100 events hosted by partners across the country. It offers plenty of opportunities to try something new, with activities for everyone, including an exciting mix of sporting, recreational and cultural experiences that increase the participation and visibility of the LGBTIQ+ community in sport.
Munro Stevenson (he/him), LEAP Sports Scotland’s Participation and Engagement Manager said:
“Uplifted Titans have been a long-standing partner of the festival and LEAP Sports. Previously they have ran non-gendered strong person competitions that have been very popular. For 2026 we are excited to support them with the creation of a non-gendered power lifting federation, which will open the sport to many in our community.”
He added, “Uplifted Titans empower and support individuals to become healthier, more independent and stronger both physically and mentally. Their approach is warm and compassionate and demonstrates true passion for inclusion in sport.”
What they said
Owen (he/him) joined Uplifted Titans in June 2024 after searching for a gym with strongman equipment. Having not felt welcome at other gyms, they attended an open day and immediately felt the strong sense of community and support.
Owen said, “Since joining Uplifted Titans my mental health is the most secure it’s been in my life. I really feel a decline in my mental health if I miss 3+ days of training. So going to Uplifted Titans is like a medicine for me. It provides me with a serotonin boost and seeing the other members of the gym always improves my day.”
Another participant said, “Knowing that I was entering a space free of judgement- in respect to my body, my gender, my sexuality etc. made trying something new so much easier! It’s easier to push yourself physically when you’re not worried about whether people believe you should be allowed to exist.”
Another member of the club signed up for a free strength training course in 2023 after hearing positive feedback about the inclusive, queer-run gym. Having found traditional gyms intimidating and not taken part in organised sport since school, they were looking for a way to move their body, support their mental health, and build strength.
They said, “There's such a lovely sense of supportive community in the gym and the competitions. Everyone is cheering each other on and supporting each other to have a good time, whether you're really trying to push yourself for a personal best or just want to give it a go!”
A member who has been involved with Festival Fortnight before became involved with Uplifted Titans in late 2023 by joining their Learn to Lift programme. With some prior lifting experience, they wanted to develop their skills and learn strongman lifts in an inclusive LGBTIQ+ space.
They said, “I find Uplifted Titans to be different from any other clubs I’ve been to because it is an incredibly supportive and knowledgeable club, the coaches Sam and Dee are so friendly and make you feel at ease in a space that is often intimidating for LGBTIQ+ folk. They also follow an anti-diet/anti-fatphobia protocol which I find very refreshing.”
Reflecting on the Uplifted Titans journey, Sam expresses the importance in learning from the community, connecting with others and shaping a supportive environment.
Sam said, “The support in the gym is amazing, people form such close connections and support each other regardless of where they are on their journey. Seeing people grow in strength and confidence is something we feel very privileged to see and be part of.”
Find out more
#SportForAll
