From Village Voice ad to vibrant LGBTQ+ tennis community
Metropolitan Tennis Group (MTG) has been bringing LGBTQ+ tennis players together in New York City for nearly four decades. It all started in 1985 when Terry Fonville placed a small ad in the Village Voice, looking for other gay and lesbian players who wanted to hit the courts. About 20 people responded, and soon monthly meetups began—what would eventually become MTG’s famous doubles parties. The group formally organized in 1987 with a steering committee and Board of Directors, laying the foundation for the vibrant community we know today.
MTG’s beginnings came at a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ community. The mid-1980s in New York were marked by both hardship and resilience, as the community faced the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis while also building stronger networks and safe spaces. Tennis offered more than just a game—it was a way to connect, find support, and create a sense of belonging.
In 1993, MTG launched the Liberty Open, joining the international circuit of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA). Today, the GLTA sanctions dozens of tournaments worldwide, highlighting the growth of LGBTQ+ sports from grassroots beginnings to a global network.
Visibility and inclusion in sports have come a long way, even though there’s still progress to be made. More athletes are stepping forward, showing that you can compete at a high level while being true to who you are. In the U.S.—and especially in a city like New York City—sports reflect bigger cultural shifts. That’s where MTG continues to play an important role: creating a welcoming space where everyone can play, connect, and have fun, proving that competition and community go hand in hand.
More than 30 years after its founding, MTG keeps growing—welcoming players from across the tri-state area, expanding events, and strengthening community outreach. What started as a small ad in a local paper has blossomed into a thriving, enduring community, showing the power of tennis to bring people together.
Our MissionMetropolitan Tennis Group (MTG) is a volunteer-run, non-profit community that brings LGBTQ+ people together through the joy of tennis—creating a vibrant, inclusive space to connect, compete, and build lasting friendships on and off the court. |
🌈 P.R.I.D.E. – More than tennis. A place to belong.
At Metropolitan Tennis Group, tennis is just the entry point. What really brings us together is the energy, the people, and the shared belief that sport can build something bigger than itself. Everything we do is grounded in P.R.I.D.E.—Play, Relationships, Impact, and Development & Expansion—our four commitments to opening doors, bringing people together, giving back, and continuing to grow forward as a community.🎾 PlayWe make tennis accessible at every level—from first-timers to competitive players. Through social doubles nights, structured leagues like our Winter Doubles League and Summer Singles Ladder, and instructional weekends like Total Tennis, we create consistent, welcoming ways to get on court. | 🤝 RelationshipsWe turn tennis into connection. Weekly meetups, inclusive mixers, and community tennis parties bring together players across levels and backgrounds—turning casual rallies into friendships, networks, and a real sense of belonging beyond the court. | 🌈 ImpactWe play with purpose. MTG supports LGBTQ+ organizations through tournament and league proceeds. We also show up visibly at Youth Pride, using tennis as a platform for community and advocacy. | 🚀 Development & ExpansionWe grow the game and community together. MTG supports player development through instruction, structured play, and competitive leagues, while expanding access across the tri-state area. Events like the Liberty Open bring new players in and grow our reach internationally. |