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A North Philadelphia gym is using fitness to fundraise for Pride month

For years, Novem Community Fitness has raised money each Pride Month for a Philadelphia nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ youths. Novem's owner estimates they've donated at least $25,000.

Members of the Novem Community Fitness wrap up their workouts and clean up North Philadelphia gym on Friday.
Members of the Novem Community Fitness wrap up their workouts and clean up North Philadelphia gym on Friday.Read moreTyger Williams / Staff Photographer

A North Philadelphia gym is helping raise money this Pride month, through barbells and box jumps.

Novem Community Fitness — what some members have dubbed “the gayest gym in Pennsylvania,” according to owner Joe Ling — will fundraise Saturday for the Attic Youth Center, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

This is at least the sixth year the inclusive gym has hosted its Pride WOD (workout of the day), and Ling expects more than 150 participants across three classes. Proceeds from donations, class drop-in fees, T-shirt sales, and a raffle or auction will go toward Attic. Ling estimated the Pride WODs have raised more than $25,000 since its inception.

Ling, who was born Hong Kong and came to the United States as a child, said he was inspired to rally behind Attic because he sees his experiences as an immigrant mirrored in the discrimination against LGBTQ+ youths.

“The [Novem] community feels that the young age is most important … that is where the struggles are when it comes to being oppressed — kids can be very, very cruel,” he said. “If they don’t have that support, it just builds.”

Ling has also committed this year to donate $1 for every calorie he burns riding a conditioning bike. Last year, he raised $1,500 for completing 1,500 burpees. Ling joked, “I will do anything for charity.”

Over 16 years in business, Novem evolved from solely a place to work out to a fellowship, with advocacy as well as functional fitness at its core. The gym has previously put on a food drive benefiting Philabundance and sold “Novem Stands With You” shirts in solidarity with immigrant communities. Ling painted the “ball wall line” — an 8-to-10-foot target to throw a weighted ball — in the colors of the progress Pride flag.

“We try to make a concerned effort to allow people to express themselves,” Ling said. “It’s really cool when people can tell me that they feel really comfortable.”

The fundraiser comes at a watershed moment, as President Donald Trump’s administration attempts to roll back the recognition of diversity and the rights of transgender people.

» READ MORE: Finding affordable, safe housing is no easy task for transgender youth in Philly

“Support from local businesses means so much more than a donation, it’s a reminder that our community stands beside LGBTQ youth when they need it most,” Attic executive director Jasper Liem said in an email. “Beyond the financial support, people like the Novem team send a clear message that none of us is alone in this fight.”

Saturday’s workout will be dedicated to Leslie Feinberg, the late activist who helped shape modern conversations around gender expression. The reps and sets will pay homage to Feinberg’s life and key dates, according to Ling.

“I really want people to come to this event and help a really good cause and see what fitness and community is all about,” Ling said.

Additional details can be found on Novem’s Instagram.