The Queer Gym: How Coach Nat Created an LGBTQ Fitness Haven

Coach Nathalie Huerta in a gym with seven people behind her inside a gym
Image Credit: The Queer Gym

You know how working out can be a real challenge? Well, finding safe, inclusive spaces to sweat it out can be an even bigger hurdle. That was until The Queer Gym stepped into the picture.


The Queer Gym is an online fitness hub owned by Nathalie Huerta. But you can call her Coach Nat, just like her clients do. And her goal? It's to create a welcoming space for everyone who wants to get fit and make healthier lifestyle choices, no matter how they identify.

The Queer Gym, first launched in 2010 in Oakland, California, experienced a significant shift in operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to the closure of their physical facility. However, it also opened up a new chapter for the founder Nathalie Huerta and the gym's mission. The subsequent transition was focused on creating an even more inclusive platform offering high-quality workouts and educational content entirely online.

Originally, The Queer Gym emerged as a safe, inclusive space for workouts, featuring gender-neutral locker rooms and facilities. Huerta, who had prior experience as a fitness coach in various gyms, noted a substantial shift in treatment after she decided to adopt a less "feminine presenting" appearance, by her own description.

Fast forward to the present day, The Queer Gym has not only adapted to being fully remote but has also refined its model to deliver exceptional benefits to its members. These benefits extend beyond their highly regarded live workouts, affirming the gym's commitment to their inclusive, remote-first approach.

Huerta’s work helps transform and challenge gender norms that are often harmful to the queer community. From making an active effort to educate herself on everything from diet recommendations for those undergoing hormone therapy to creating entirely new class offerings to fit every kind of schedule, Huerta is achieving success by being the epitome of adapting to the times while caring for her customers.

The online gym operates on a comprehensive approach emphasizing four primary areas: fitness, nutrition, accountability, and community.

In terms of fitness, the gym hosts live Zoom workouts three times a week that are accessible and accommodating for all fitness levels. These sessions require no gym equipment, making it highly convenient for everyone.

As for nutrition, the gym understands the significant role it plays in achieving fitness goals. Therefore, every member is assigned a personal nutritionist who crafts a customized meal plan, supplemented with meal prep hacks to simplify the process.

The gym also provides a unique aspect of accountability to ensure members stay on track. Each member gets an accountability coach, weekly check-in calls, and unlimited text access for continual motivation and support.

Finally, the gym fosters a sense of community among members. It houses a diverse group of like-minded individuals, particularly those identifying as queer. An interactive member chat room and regular virtual events encourage members to connect and engage with each other, enhancing their fitness journey through mutual support and motivation.


Huerta’s dedication goes beyond just providing fitness routines. She’s changing the landscape by challenging harmful gender norms, educating herself about specific nutritional needs for those undergoing hormone therapy, and always, always, adapting to suit her clients' needs.

So, if you're looking for a place to work out where inclusivity, support, and community aren't just buzzwords, but a reality, look no further. The Queer Gym is more than just an online gym; it's a fitness revolution that is creating ripples far and wide. It’s about time we redefine what fitness can look like, and with Huerta at the helm, the future looks promising. And hey, you're invited to be part of this exciting, new world of fitness!

To find out more about The Queer Gym (and join the fitness revolution!), check out their website here.

Protestors at women's march stand behing a banner that reads "we are still the resistance"
Photo Courtesy of the Women's March

On January 18, 2025, Washington, D.C., will once again become a hub of public dissent with The People’s March, hosted by Women’s March. This demonstration comes at a historic moment, just days before Donald Trump begins his second term as president. Framed as a collective stand against policies that organizers see as harmful to equality and justice, the march aims to unite voices from across the nation in an act of resistance and hope.

Keep ReadingShow less
image of devastating fires in Los Angeles area

Last updated: January 13, 1:20 p.m. PT.

Multiple wildfires are currently tearing through Los Angeles County, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. The fires have now claimed 10 lives. While the Palisades fire captured widespread media attention due to its location in the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, at the time of this reporting, the Eaton Fire quickly grew to the same devastating size as the Palisades and took entire neighborhoods with it. The Eaton fire is still currently impacting areas with a significant Latino population, such as Altadena, where 27.2% of the population is Latino according to the latest census.

Keep ReadingShow less
golden globes 2025 nominees
Created by Luz Media

This year’s Golden Globe Awards had one of the highest number of Latino nominees in its history. While that’s a milestone worth celebrating, the actual outcome of the ceremony is a reminder of how far Hollywood still has to go. Out of all the groundbreaking nominees, including 8 Latine actors and at least 9 projects with significant Latino involvement behind the scenes (including 4 Latine directors), only 2 Latina actresses, Dominican-Puerto Rican Zoe Saldaña and Brazilian Fernanda Torres, walked away with trophies. Their wins are historic and well-deserved, but they don’t hide the fact that Latino talent continues to be largely overlooked in an industry that thrives on Latine contributions both on and off the screen.

Keep ReadingShow less