Frequently Asked Questions

  • In short, Charm City Pride Pump is a joyful inclusive lifting party and fundraiser. Money raised goes directly to support local LGBTQIA+ organizations in Baltimore.

    In addition to the main lifting component, it includes curated community resources and raffle items from local businesses and artists.

    Costumes are encouraged. Beginners are welcome. This community event is for lifters of all identities and sizes!

    Join us for a celebration of resilience and collective power.

  • Location: 410 Fitness
    Address: 3601 Clipper Mill Rd Suite 3, Baltimore, MD 21211
    Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
    Time: 1pm

  • No. This is a community fundraising event, not a sanctioned powerlifting competition.

    Expect structure, but mostly fun and encouraging energy.

  • What type of lifters can sign up? Do I need to be experienced? Super strong?

    Lifters of all genders, body types, and experience/strength levels are welcome! This event is trans-affirming, fat-affirming, beginner-friendly. There are no weight classes or gender designations. 18+ only.

    We'll be using standard 20kg (45 lbs) or 15 kg (33 lbs) bars and plates measured in lbs. If you can safely lift (bench) a barbell, you are welcome.

    Do I have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community to participate?

    No! Allies are very welcome to participate and lift! As well as show up and support, but please remember you are in a queer space. Be respectful and supportive or we reserve the right to remove you from the premises.

  • Anyone! Spectators are welcome and encouraged. We encourage all attendees to donate.

    Is it family-friendly/can kids attend?

    Kids are welcome. While the goal is safety and appropriate attire, queer expression is welcomed. If you have concerns about your child being exposed to queer joy (or the occasional butt cheek), use your best judgment.

  • $30 - Standard

    $50 - Pay it forward 

    If finances are a barrier, reach out: charmcitypridepump@gmail.com. No one will be turned away!

    REGISTER HERE

  • Registration opens June 1st.

    REGISTER HERE

    Registration includes:

    • Entry to lift

    • Small but exciting to-be-determined swag items

    • Community hype

    If you'd like to sponsor a lifter's registration, please email charmcitypridepump@gmail.com. If finances are a barrier, please reach out. No one will be turned away for lack of funds!

    Refund & Transfer Policy

    • Registrations are non-refundable.

    • Transfers to another lifter are allowed until September 1, 2026.

    • To request changes, email charmcitypridepump@gmail.com.

  • Unfortunately we cannot accommodate day-of registration.

  • You’ll be placed in a lifting group of 4 based on your submitted estimated 1RM.

    • Each team has 20 minutes to log their 1RM for the whole team

    • Each lifter has 3 total attempts

    • Each lifter’s heaviest successful lift will count as their 1RM and all 4 results (from all 4 lifters in the group) will be tallied as the final score

    If you miss a lift, you may attempt again as long as you have attempts remaining. Once you complete your attempts, join the crowd in cheering on fellow lifters!

    A warm up area will be set up for use prior to your Heat.

    • Standard 20kg (45 lbs) or 15 kg (33 lbs) barbell will be used

    • Plates will be in pounds

    • Chalk is allowed

    • Lifts will be judged for lockout and control

    • Spotters/loaders will be provided and required

    Our goal is safety. Come prepared.

  • Come dressed to be able to move comfortably and safely. Flat shoes/trainers suggested (shoes are required).

    Costumes and glitter are encouraged!!

  • After covering essential event costs, all remaining proceeds go directly to this year’s beneficiary, a thoughtfully selected local organization supporting queer and trans folks:

  • SPONSORSHIP PAGE

    Charm City Pride Pump is community oriented. If you are a local business, artist, vendor, or organization aligned with the values of the event, we’d love your support and participation.

    Sponsorship opportunities include:

    • Financial sponsorship tiers

    • Raffle prize donations

    • Event-day activation opportunities (based on tier)

    View our sponsorship overview page for more information and to complete the form.

    For questions, email charmcitypridepump@gmail.com. 

    Sponsorship commitments must be secured by August 12th to guarantee inclusion in event materials and promotion.

  • Yes, please!

    We’ll need help with:

    • Check-in

    • Spotting/loading

    • Raffle

    • Set-up and clean-up

    Reach out to: charmcitypridepump@gmail.com and let us know you’re interested and what you might like to help with. We’ll find a way to get you involved!

  • TBD.

  • Nope. Sorry!

  • Yes. More information to come.

  • Feel free to reach out to us at charmcitypridepump@gmail.com with any questions!

  • Tentative schedule:

    • Check-in and warm-up: 1:00pm

    • First lift: 1:30am

    • Raffles & Awards: 3:30am

    • Event wrap: 4:00pm

    Exact timing will be updated closer to the date of the event.

    • 410 Fitness is fully accessible (ramp), including a ramp, gender neutral bathrooms, etc.

    • Music will be played during the event (volume may be high).

    If you need accommodations, please email charmcitypridepump@gmail.com in advance — we are committed to making the event accessible and welcoming.

  • There is street parking along Clipper Mill Road and under the bridge across from 410 Fitness. Biking, ride sharing, carpooling are encouraged.