At OutBox Gym, gender is irrelevant. As the first of its kind in New York City, the Bushwick-based boxing and fitness club is the only trans-owned LGBTQ+ gym across the five boroughs. Not only are the locker rooms gender neutral, but the entire facility is ungendered. When OutBox opened in 2021, the facility operated out of an old garage in Williamsburg. Four years later, what started as “a few heavy bags and some jump ropes” relocated to a much larger space in Bushwick.
Max Adler
Behind OutBox is Max Adler, who by the time of opening the original facility already had over a decade of coaching under his belt. At the time, Adler was also a competitive boxer. The only thing keeping him from officially turning pro was the fact that he would be competing within the women’s division as he had yet to transition. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Adler, like many transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people at the time, decided to transition. The pandemic also brought an opportunity for communal exercise, and Adler found himself coaching his clients out of Brower Park in Crown Heights and Domino Park in Williamsburg while gyms were closed.
The increase of attendees at his outdoor classes signified a profound demand: a space where LGBTQ+ people can exercise safely, comfortably and among community members. Between his classes and events at OutBox, we caught up with Adler to reflect on just how far his booming business has come—from his love for NYC to accessibility, nightlife parties and queer joy.
“It's so rare to find a space where combat sports feel safe, fun and inclusive to all sorts of people.” —Tench Cholnoky (they/she), Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
NYC is known for being a cultural melting pot. What was it about the City that made you decide to open OutBox Gym here?
Max Adler: My family has been in New York City for over five generations, so New York has always been home for me. After living outside of the City, I moved back to Brooklyn for both the bustling fight scene and strong queer community. As I became more immersed, I began to see a huge gap in the boxing and fitness industry.
NYC has such a large and diverse trans and queer community, yet there still weren’t fitness spaces designed with our experience in mind. There was a need for a gym where more people could feel comfortable.
“The coaches push me and ensure I’m not giving less than they know I’m capable of. I leave feeling like I worked to my limits and could come back next week even stronger.” —Jaye Balentine (she/her), Sunset Park, Brooklyn
How did you decide on which neighborhood to have OutBox Gym?
MA: Since opening OutBox [in Williamsburg] in 2021, I’ve always had my eye on Bushwick as it has become a thriving queer and trans ecosystem. OutBox is also a community space, so the neighborhood felt like a natural fit.
It was important for us to be in a neighborhood where visibility felt safe and comfortable enough for our members.
What can one expect at OutBox Gym that no other fitness spaces can offer?
MA: OutBox is more than a gym, as we have hosted many events—we do love to party here. We’ve had live fights, raves, comedy shows, battles of the bands, fundraisers and so much more. I love giving people a reason to come to the gym beyond working out.
Events have also been a way some people have gotten their introduction to OutBox. It is especially cool to see folks that never thought they would step foot into a gym, let alone a boxing gym, come to a party and then show up to class the next day. Queer joy is real, and the energy in here is palpable.
“You can walk in knowing nothing and have a really encouraging and positive experience. The people and community are more than enough reasons to stick around. Boxing and weightlifting are just extra.” —Evie Horton (she/her)
Since opening OutBox Gym, how have trans, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people showed you love?
MA: Our members here are amazing. The new location was literally built by the trans and queer contractors, electricians and carpenters that I’ve met through the gym. We have also been able to collaborate with so many local performers, musicians and artists on events inside and outside the gym.
Honestly, just seeing people show up for their first class, or for their 1,000th class, is how Outbox is shown love.
What’s your most recent favorite moment at the gym?
MA: One of my favorite moments happened at an event we hosted recently. A 75-year-old contortionist performed to “Eye of the Tiger” during a halftime show. The entire crowd was chanting her name while she had both of her feet in her mouth and the whole gym was roaring. It was really special to witness.
“OutBox strikes an incredible balance between technical, high-intensity fitness and genuine fun and connection. I want to be challenged while also having a gay ol’ time.” —Remi Houss (he/him), Bushwick, Brooklyn
What have you seen happen when gendered motifs get taken out of fitness spaces?
MA: It was effortless for me to remove gender barriers at the gym, which was my biggest motivation for opening OutBox. For trans people, bathrooms and locker rooms alone can be a huge deterrent to joining a gym or sports team. Details like having non-gendered bathrooms, LGBTQIA+ instructors and coaching people by skill level, not gender identity, make a huge difference. By removing gender, I’ve seen a stronger sense of connection and comfortability in a fitness space that I’ve never seen before.
“I love that I get the chance to facilitate a space for queer and trans folks to feel strong, connect with their bodies, be silly and make friends!” —OutBox personal trainer Zad Carney (he/him), Flatbush, Brooklyn
OutBox Gym is deconstructing so many notions of gender regarding safety, fun and exercise. How do you imagine your impact reaching NYC beyond Bushwick?
MA: It is an incredibly difficult time for the trans community; public discourse and media narratives have distorted perceptions of trans participation in sports. OutBox is proof that trans people belong in sports—and everywhere. I hope OutBox can serve as an entry point to fitness for those who may not have previously felt welcome in athletic spaces, and become a place where everyone, regardless of identity, can reconnect with their bodies, build confidence and experience a genuine sense of belonging.
Bushwick may be where we’re located, but our impact isn’t confined by geography. Every class, every conversation and every person who walks through our doors has the potential to challenge stereotypes and expand what people think is possible. If we can help someone enjoy the gym again, feel at home in their body or rethink what they believe about trans people, that's a meaningful victory.
There are so many pockets of communities in NYC—even within LGBTQ+ spaces—dedicated to providing for marginalized people. Besides OutBox Gym, what are some places here that you’d recommend people visit?
MA: I'd recommend the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, Hairarri Barber Shop, The Boyfriend Collective, Fringe Pilates and Nowadays for Body Hack [a monthly trans party].
This interview is a part of our Trans Voices series, in which trans people in NYC share their unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives on the City. Find that and other LGBTQ+ content here.
Denny is a writer, actor and musician based in NYC. She is working on new music, a speculative nonfiction book and a short film adaptation of her Modern Love essay from The New York Times. Her single, “We’ll Make Wine,” was released in November.
Texas Isaiah is a first-generation visual storyteller born and raised in Brooklyn and currently residing between NYC and Los Angeles. His work has been exhibited around the world and is in the permanent collections of the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Getty Museum.