What this weekend’s CRDL Pride Round means to these skaters
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The sport of roller derby has long been known for its inclusivity and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
But for the league’s LGBTIQA+ community, the annual Canberra Roller Derby League Pride Round holds a special place in their hearts. To celebrate the upcoming Pride Round on Saturday 22 June at Evelyn Scott School in Denman Prospect, we asked four skaters what the round means to them.
Want to get along and join in the fun? Tickets are just $17.38 for adults and $9.71 for kids aged 5 to 15 and there will even be a spectacular halftime show from groundbreaking drag artist Etcetera Etcetera (aka The Glamour Bug), one of Australia’s most well-known and visually striking drag artists – seen on big and small stages internationally and locally including Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under.
Etcetera Etcetera. Credit: Cameron McCormick.
Wrecker Mortis
Tell us about how the league has made you feel safe, supported and seen?
The league uses inclusive language to ensure everyone is comfortable and feels supported. The league’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee provides resources on the use of appropriate and supporting language, and people are open to changes in regards to respect and inclusivity.
What does the Pride Round mean to you?
As someone who is in the LGBT community, it provides an environment to be seen and acknowledged, as well as supported. To be proud and open about who you are, and doing so in a safe space in a sport you enjoy,. It isn’t something to be taken for granted, so I am grateful for this space.
Photo: Black Fortress Labs.
Brawn Cracker
Tell us about how the league has made you feel safe, supported and seen?
The league has made me feel like I’m part of a team that is genuinely proud of who we are, with likeminded people that are committed to overcoming prejudices within sports. Exploring my gender identity within this space that is actively inclusive and non-judgemental has been so important to me in my personal growth.
What does the Pride round mean to you?
As a new skater, the Pride Round is something I am yet to experience first-hand, so I am unsure… but I do know that I love seeing everyone’s self-expression at every game!
Photo: Black Fortress Labs.
Dani Hell
Tell us about how the league has made you feel safe, supported and seen?
The league is so inclusive, and finds a way to make something work for everyone, no matter their skills, size or anything else. Many of the skaters will take time out of their training to help you out, no matter if it is a mental block or a physical one. It is a place where everyone is welcome no matter who you are.
There has been a few times I have been unable to train for a while and when I came back to training everyone was so welcoming and kind, just happy to see me again. The league has been another family to me and has helped me when I am struggling both in and outside of roller derby
What does the Pride round mean to you?
Pride round means a lot to me, it’s a time where I can be seen and recognised. As a bisexual woman in a straight-presenting relationship, a lot of people assume I am straight because of this and it hurts me as people don’t see the true me. This round is a way for me to show that side of me and be seen for who I am as a whole.
It also is a way I can celebrate with my friends and celebrate who they are as well. A lot of the LGBTQIA+ community don’t always have a safe place to be themselves, and to see my friends, well my family, get to show the true version of themself is something that brings me a lot of joy.
Credit: Michael Lloyd
Worm
Tell us about how the league has made you feel safe, supported and seen?
I have always loved how this community is accepting of people. No matter your gender, age, size, experiences and no matter who you love. It’s ok to be you.
Our league actively celebrates pride with events like our Pride Bouts, which bring our LGBTQIA++ communities together. We also have a committee devoted to Diversity and inclusion, who lead actions in creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive league culture.
What does the Pride round mean to you?
It has taken me a long time to really accept myself for who I love and not be so timid about it.
Engaging in community that celebrates pride is what gave me the courage to really shed away the shame and live my life authentically as I am. I got more than I could ask for really, as I even found love through Roller Derby with my partner (Scorny Weaver), and this is the most fulfilment and Pride I have felt in my life. You’ll see me on the track Grinning ear to ear.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Canberra Roller Derby League Pride Round
When: Saturday 22 June from 6 pm
Where: Evelyn Scott School, Denman Prospect
Tickets: Via Moshtix
Feature image: Black Fortress Labs
