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. Here in the U.S.—and especially in a city like New York—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. |
More than tennis. A place to belong.
At Metropolitan Tennis Group, we believe tennis is a powerful way to connect, express yourself, and build something bigger than the game. Everything we do is grounded in four commitments—to open doors, bring people together, give back, and keep growing forward.
🎾 PlayWe make tennis accessible to all, from first-timers to seasoned competitors—through monthly social doubles nights, structured leagues like our Winter Doubles League and Summer Singles Ladder, and instructional weekends like Total Tennis. Whether you’re here to rally, compete, or learn, there’s a place for you on our courts. | 🤝 CommunityWe create space for real connection, turning casual rallies into lasting friendships through weekly meetups, inclusive mixers, and community tennis parties designed to be as welcoming for newcomers as they are for longtime members. | 🌈 ImpactWe show up for our community by turning play into purpose—hosting events like the Matthew Shepard Tennis Jam, directing proceeds from tournaments and leagues to LGBTQ+ organizations, and standing visible and proud at events like Pride and AIDS Walk New York. | 🚀 GrowthWe continue to build on our legacy by expanding access and opportunity—growing our membership across the tri-state area, hosting the internationally recognized Liberty Open, and creating more entry points for new players to discover and stay in the game. |