About Us

Pride Deadlift Party began in Seattle as a block-party style deadlift competition and fundraiser rooted in queer community.

Founded by Rain City Fit in the heart of Seattle’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, Pride Deadlift Party was created to center LGBTQIA2+ lifters and their allies in a space built intentionally for them. What started as a single-city event has grown.

Over the past four years, Pride Deadlift Party in Seattle has hosted 300+ lifters annually and raised nearly $200,000 for LGBTQIA2+ organizations doing vital work in our communities.

In 2026, Pride Deadlift Party expands to New York City, bringing the same structure, intention, and community-driven fundraising model to one of the most historic queer cities in the world.

Pride Deadlift Party is both a competition and a celebration. Lifters test their max deadlift in a high-energy environment featuring a live DJ, drag performances, community vendors, raffles, food, and more.

All proceeds raised go directly to our selected beneficiaries.

Everyone is welcome. We prioritize safety, inclusion, and respect for trans and gender-nonconforming athletes, ensuring they compete in the category they belong in.

2023’s event was featured in a magazine. read here!

Our BENEFICIARIES for 2025

 FAQs

  • Seattle Pride Deadlift Party will be Saturday June 21st, 2025. Flight information will be sent out in the weeks leading up to the meet but the event will begin at noon. There will be three sessions and we anticipate ending around 5pm.

    The event will take place in front of Rain City Fit on 11th Ave.

    1516 11th Ave Seattle, WA 98122.

    All athletes will have three attempts to complete a max effort deadlift. We will have food, raffles, music, drinks, and other fun things going on, too! What more could you ask for?? :)

  • Absolutely! As strong as you are now is as strong as you have to be! This is an incredible opportunity for beginners and experienced lifters alike to test our PR’s and have fun in the process. No prior experience necessary! We will have volunteers who will guide you through the process on the day of the meet and make sure you feel confident and competent once you hit the platform!

  • Whatever feels comfortable! Singlets are welcome but absolutely not necessary. We recommend wearing flat shoes that will make your deadlift stance feel stable and secure. Straps are not allowed and lifters should wear something to protect the shins (knee high socks, leggings, etc). Since this is a pride event, bright colors, rainbow attire, costumes, etc. are all extremely encouraged! Dress to impress but more importantly, to feel your best!

  • A large portion of the entry fees will go towards the production of the event, cost for set-up, food vendors, as well as paying drag entertainers, production team, and security. Rain City Fit and Pride Deadlift Party directors have donated their time to make this event possible and will NOT be profiting off of the production of this event in any capacity. 100% of additional funds raised will go directly towards our benefitting organizations.

  • Last year we raised over $50,000. This year, we want to go even bigger!

    Our goal this year is to try to raise $55,000 to be split evenly between our beneficiaries (TBA).

    Our ask for participants who are lifting is to aim to fundraise 1 dollar per pound lifted. For example, someone who plans on lifting 200 lbs should aim to try to raise $200. If each person pledges to aim to raise this amount, we should be able to reach our collective goal.

    Ask your friends and colleagues. Utilize those workplace giving programs! Let’s aim to do our part to help support the Greater Seattle LGBTQIA2+ community this Pride season.

  • Nope! No scales, no weigh-ins, no cutting weight here! Fuel up and lift as you are. The only weight we’re concerned about is the amount of weight lifted on the platform!

  • No way! This meet is open to anyone who deadlifts and supports trans rights. That last part is imperative. Our vision for this meet is to host the biggest Pride Deadlift Fundraiser that Seattle has ever seen! We did it last year and we’re planning on going even bigger this year. We’d love to partner with as many of our gym neighbors that we can to make this happen. Our community reach will be better when we work together!

  • “Anyone under 18 years old is welcome to compete with parental consent. We will have some incredible drag performances during intermissions, so feel free to bring your children. As we all know, drag queens pose ZERO threat to our children or our community. Except for Kitty Glitter.

    PSA: Kitty Glitter will be our noble emcee again so bring your children at your own risk :P”

    *EDITED* 5/13/24

    The above was CLEARLY satirical but sometimes internet trolls like to purposely misrepresent situations that they do not agree with to fit their own agenda. So let me make this clear:

    THIS IS PRIDE EVENT. There will be queer people and allies dressing up and representing themselves in whatever they feel comfortable in. Rain City Fit and Pride Deadlift Party organizers do not agree with policing queer spaces or queer bodies. We will always make sure that our events stay age appropriate and safe… but there’s a chance that somebody might show up in assless chaps. If you don’t want your child to see an innocuous butt cheek, then please leave them at home!

    LGBTQIA+ people are not a danger or a threat to your children. Period. I can’t believe I still have to say this.

  • We are also looking for raffle donations, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. Please e-mail us at events@pridedeadliftparty.com for more information!

    Otherwise, please considering sharing, donating, or coming to spectate! We would love to have you!

Our sponsors