FTM Fitness World
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fitness, Health, LGBTQ+ advocacy |
| Founded | 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Founder | Neo Sandja |
| Headquarters | Atlanta , United States |
Area served | Transgender community |
| Products | Annual transgender fitness conference, bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions |
| Website | www |
FTM Fitness World was established in 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, by Neo Sandja, a transgender man. In 2014, the organization introduced an annual conference aimed at the transgender community, emphasizing "Fitness for the mind, body and spirit." This three-day gathering centers on overall wellness, encompassing health, fitness, nutrition, spirituality, relationships, finances, and self-improvement. The event also hosted the inaugural transgender bodybuilding contest, which was claimed by Shawn Stinson.
The 2015 edition of the competition, titled TransFitCon, attracted attention from mainstream media outlets. By the time of the third annual event, a powerlifting contest was incorporated with Janae Marie Kroc serving as the lead judge. This expansion prompted a rebranding to the International Association of Trans Bodybuilders. Since then, yearly competitions have persisted featuring categories such as lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight, and masters divisions. Originally limited to transgender men, open-gender categories were added in 2018 followed by divisions for transgender women in 2019. These classes are determined based on hormone replacement therapy status or are accessible to all participants.
Reception
Many athletes found competing in alignment with their gender identity and donning gender-affirming attire to be profoundly empowering. Others emphasized the sport’s welcoming community and its contribution to building individual resilience and strength.
External links
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Companies based in Atlanta
- Privately held companies based in Georgia (U.S. state)
- 2012 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
- LGBTQ culture in Atlanta
- Transgender organizations in the United States
- American companies established in 2012
- Exercise organizations
- LGBTQ health organizations in the United States
- Trans men's culture