1978 was an equally significant year for the Australian community, marking the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras protest. From the conception of this sprung the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Through the 70s and 80s, City Gym established itself as the most famous cultural and social hub for the LGBTQI+ community.
Thanks to co-founder and trailblazer Bill Moore, City Gym became the legendary all-inclusive haven for minorities, outsiders, and all gender identities.
The Legacy
Unprecedented and visionary for its time, City Gym set a fitness standard, creating a product that other fitness centres used as a model.
A Mecca for the sporting elite, City Gym boasted Olympic champions, Hollywood Superstars, Music Legends, and world-class bodybuilders, yet managed not to become pretentious or intimidating.
You could find yourself shoulder-pressing beside Arnold Schwarzenneger, Tom Platz, and Dorian Yates or superstars like Jane Fonda, Grace Jones, The Rock, and Hugh Jackman. This rich tapestry of diverse personalities earned City Gym’s reputation as the fitness industry’s legendary hot spot.
It was no secret that homophobia and discriminatory innuendo within our community were not tolerated as City Gym earned its moniker “the gay gym” and proudly shouted it to the world.
City Gym Mardi Gras floats became an annual staple, marking the party of the year on the fitness calendar. The gym became an unofficial meeting space for floats in the parade and a tourist hot spot, attracting visitors here and abroad.
Billy's Story
In 1986, present owner and CEO Billy Kokkinis (Billy Jr) joined the gym as an enthusiastic and impressionable 15-year-old. Billy Moore taught Billy the ropes of running a successful gym, instilling his ideology of equality, protection, community, compassion, and respect.
In 36 years, Billy Jr has not wavered from this ethos and continues this legacy.
In 2017, Billy felt bound by this loyalty and bought the gym, rescuing it from ruin. He took responsibility for preserving an institution that meant everything to him and the community.
In 2018, With his business partner, Billy’s vision became a reality with a two-million-dollar refurbishment unveiling a state-of-the-art gymnasium unrivalled by none.
We welcome you to be a part of our City Gym community.
Founding and Inclusivity
Founded in 1978, City Gym quickly became a social and cultural center, embracing Inclusivity and welcoming everyone.
Innovative techniques and state-of-the-art machines worldwide set new training standards.
Proudly "The LGBTQI+ Gym"
In the late 1970s, City Gym proudly adopted the “inclusive gym” label, fostering a safe and accepting space.
Discrimination and homophobia were unwelcome here.
A Celebrity and Sporting Elite Hub
City Gym’s doors were open to Olympic champions, Hollywood superstars, music legends, and world-class bodybuilders.
Icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Fonda, and The Rock were part of its fabric.
Mardi Gras and Cultural Impact
City Gym’s Mardi Gras floats became an annual sensation, attracting participants from near and far.
It was the unofficial meeting and rehearsal space for many Mardi Gras floats.
Change and Renewed Vision
Billy Kokkinis (Billy Jr) joined in 1986, learning valuable equality, support, and respect principles.
City Gym maintained its unique, “old-school” charm despite new fitness franchises.
Challenges and Revival
In the late 2000s, changes in management and increased competition led to challenges.
Billy Kokkinis embarked on a significant renovation project.
City Gym Today
Today, City Gym offers an exclusive, top-tier fitness experience while preserving its welcoming and diverse atmosphere.
Join our City Gym family and be part of our fitness legacy.
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