The best thing about throwing axes? No space for discrimination

At a time when it seems more and more damaging and transphobic bills are being introduced and passed through parliaments around the globe, we wanted to do our part in advocating for trans and LGBTQIA folk taking up more space in professional sports.

Axe throwing is a resoundingly inclusive sport; one which embraces equality, individuality and diversity. Our community has been built on the fundamental principle that we are all equals, competing together regardless of our differences.

While the term "professional axe thrower" might conjure visions of a bearded lumberjack, it's our mission to dispel these stereotypes and continue to create more space for diversity in the axe throwing community. Axe throwing has no divisions for age, weight, gender- as you might see in other sports. There is no need for a Paralympic style division for axe throwing competitions. These are all irrelevant to a persons ability to master throwing an axe.  Professional axe throwers are people of all walks of life, a spectrum of genders, outlooks and backgrounds.

Speaking personally, the fact that axes don't discriminate is why I own an axe throwing venue and it's why I love this community. When I step into a lane, it's me and my axe against a piece of timber and frankly, the gender/age/weight/race/physicality/account balance of the person I'm throwing against is irrelevant. It's a space where we can all leave that behind.

Sweet Axe's values are Inclusivity, Community and Fun. Our community considers Sweet Axe a safe space, and I feel really privileged to be one of the caretakers of that safe space. 

In 2021, there was an event of an axe throwing venue in the States discriminating against & attempting to prevent a trans woman from competing in a Women's event. As devastating as it was to see such ignorant & damaging views coming out of an axe throwing venue, it sparked a massive wave of support for trans competitors throughout the axe throwing community, and resulted in an official decision from the governing body of the sport, WATL (the World Axe Throwing League), to terminate the membership of the venue in question. 

We're proud to be part of a he global community of axe throwers that take a stand against transphobia. 

There is no space for transphobia or discrimination of any kind here. Just space for love and axes 🪓

Sarah Hilyard
Owner, Sweet Axe