Comedian AJ Lamarque Discovers the Joy of LGBTQ+ Sports with Sydney Spectres

AJ Lamarque, a comedian by profession, never expected to become a symbol for sports inclusion. "I’m a comedian by trade, and generally, we don’t have the reputation of being sporty people," he admits.

Originally from London and now residing in Sydney, AJ has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry through comedy, writing, and presenting. His self-funded mockumentary, "The Gays," has significantly boosted his social media presence.

Finding Recognition in Sports

Despite his comedic career, AJ was recently acknowledged for his contributions to sports at the Australian Pride in Sport Awards in Melbourne. The event celebrates LGBTQ+ athletes and organizations making a positive impact in sports.

Awarded the Positive Media Award, AJ was recognized for his work promoting Basketball NSW’s Pride initiative. Reflecting on this unexpected honor, he says, "It feels a bit bizarre to me. I never set out to be a champion of sports inclusion or basketball!"

The Journey Back to Basketball

AJ’s journey back to basketball began when he decided to revisit a sport he hadn’t played since high school. Motivated by a childhood love for "Space Jam," he took the plunge after spotting the Sydney Spectres at a local LGBTQIA+ festival. "I plucked up the courage to turn up by myself to one of their training sessions," he recalls.

Impressed by his experiences, AJ started sharing his journey online, catching the attention of Basketball NSW, who invited him to be an ambassador for their Pride in Basketball tournament.

Embracing Community and Challenging Preconceptions

For AJ, the Sydney Spectres basketball club has been transformative. "It's a space to play the game with a positive culture, unlike the isolating environment I experienced in high school PE," AJ explains.

He acknowledges that the typical sports culture in schools can be exclusionary, particularly for those who don’t fit the traditional mold. "As an adult, we get to create our own spaces, book our own courts, and set our own rules," he says, appreciating how the Spectres have facilitated a welcoming environment.

Breaking Down Sports Myths

AJ highlights two common misconceptions: that one must be proficient in a sport to participate, and that an in-depth knowledge of professional leagues is necessary. "Both couldn’t be further from the truth," he insists, emphasizing that sports can be enjoyed socially without expertise or encyclopedic knowledge.

While AJ admits he’s far from an NBA-level player, he finds fulfillment in the game itself and the community it fosters. "If you see me on the court, don’t be surprised if I miss a lay-up," he jokes.

Inspiration and Impact

For AJ, the true heroes are those who run community clubs out of passion rather than profit. They provide inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy sports, reinforcing that professional-level skill or knowledge isn’t a prerequisite to participation.

AJ’s own inspiration stems from the community and cultural icons like "Space Jam," proving that joy in sports is accessible to all. His work with Pride in Basketball continues to open doors for others, making sports a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for the LGBTQ+ community.

In sharing his story, AJ hopes to encourage others to reclaim sports and challenge preconceived notions. "Being a comedian has made my messages about sports more impactful, reaching people who might view sports as 'the other,'" he notes.

Follow AJ Lamarque on Instagram and TikTok at @ajlamarque to keep up with his comedy and sports advocacy journey.