Birmingham embraces its shoal of gay and lesbian swimmers

Meet Mark Hillier — one of the group organisers for the Moseley Shoals, the LGBT aquatics club in Birmingham, England.

When was the Moseley Shoals club established?

We were established in April 2000, growing to two weekly training sessions in 2004, then three weekly sessions in 2008, and subsequently adding water polo.

Who established Moseley Shoals?

The Gay Outdoor Club which operates in the West Midlands area had been receiving a number of enquiries about a swim group. They approached two members who swam regularly, myself and Russell Stanton, and suggested starting a group. The five members at the first couple of sessions are still all involved.

We now operate with four group organisers, ten life guards, and volunteers for the website, marketing, socials, refereeing, coaching, and accounts.

Is Moseley Shoals just a swimming club or does it include other activities?

We also include water polo as well as various social activities such as picnics, meals, pub crawls, flyer hand-outs, farmers market breakfasts, tournaments, and holidays.

How many members does Moseley Shoals have?

We have about 150 members but not all are active at any one time.

Is membership of Moseley Shoals growing?

Yes — we get new members regularly and a lot of recommendations. Birmingham’s LGBT umbrella group also forwards new members often.

What is the gender balance like in the club?

Our membership is mainly men. We have periods with new women but other periods with fewer. We have recently trained two new female lifeguards, and also piloted trans swimming sessions.

Do members of Moseley Shoals take part in competitive events?

Yes — a couple of times per year on average. The group is chiefly social swimming and water polo but we are growing the coaching, sporting and competitive side.

What types of competitive events do Moseley Shoals members take part in?

LGBT events — recently we’ve taken part in the Hamburg swimming tournament, and the London water polo tournament.

What sort of role does Moseley Shoals play in its local community?

We have a very strong community focus. We’re well known in Moseley, a lively suburb of Birmingham. We have attracted sponsorship from a local real ale pub, a local gay bar, and lots of in-kind support from members.

We have actively supported the Save the Baths campaigns locally, and encouraged input from mental health groups, trans groups, and campaigned alongside local groups to secure pools in Birmingham.

We also worked with other local gay sports clubs and the local LGBT umbrella group to stage our first Pride in Sports festival in 2012.

What are some of the challenges of running a club like Moseley Shoals?

Keeping numbers up at all sessions, marketing to the right people, who could be having a great time swimming and playing water polo with us. Plus gaining access to well located and maintained pools, at the premium evening times.