Grace Under Pressure

I hear a bunch of talk about is how inclusiveness is one of our core values.  We push forwards examples of queer and trans inclusion, accepting all body types, and of being a sport for newer athletes.  What I don’t hear a lot of is talk about racial inclusion.  I really don’t see action on that front.

There are people of color who are our teammates, officials, volunteers, and fans.  There are high profile skaters of color doing great things. That doesn’t mean we are ok though, we tend to be an extremely white group of people.  If we want to be more inclusive, we have to figure out ways to be better teammates, leaguemates, and friends.  We have to actively listen to the people of color about what’s going on, and work to reach out.  Inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident, it is a choice, a process; an active and ongoing thing.

It means having uncomfortable discussions inside of your league. It means reaching out to communities that are not part of your traditional fan base. It means listening to and standing up for your teammates if they feel hurt or offended by something, even if it means having to sanction another teammate.

Above all, it means admitting that you might not be right, and might be doing things that are racist without realizing it.  The change starts with you, but it cannot end with you.  It means you starting discussions in your own league.

Derby is such an empowering and wonderful sport.  The culture has so many great things going for it.  We can be wonderful, WONDERFUL people…  Lets keep at that; lets make sure as many people as possible feel at home and can experience what derby can offer.

- graceunderpressure14 graced me with her old derby skates! They’re super good and I can’t wait to give them a try :D

- after introducing spoiledforchoice to Bring It On (for the first time!?) the other day, we’re now rewatching other excellent ‘99/'00 teen film But I’m a Cheerleader. With pizza. And doughnuts.

This is the most incredible game. Loren Much and Scald Eagle are such mind-blowing jammers, and the pack work from both teams is stunning.

Name - Flash Gorgon

Number -  33

Home league -  London Rollergirls Recreational League

How long have you been playing derby?  Two whole years and a half.

What is your favourite position to play on track?  Blocker but I’m warming up to jamming. Future me would like to be a really good pivot.

Who are you off track? I’m a venue manager in a music, circus and theatre venue. I know where stage left is and I can listen to two conversations at once. I can always tell you how many people are in a room.

Likes -  Standard issue roller derby hobbies like cats and crafts, business orientated non-fiction, conkers, having a theme song, smoke bubbles and lasers.

Dislikes -  small round food.

Who’s your derby crush? Wowser so many. I tend to watch lanky people most so Fisti Cuffs, Kid Block, Fellow dragon Long Tall Scally.  Loren Mutch obvs.  The speed, the juking, the strength. Swoon!

Worst injury?  I broke my little toe. Who knew toes were so important to walking and balance and life? And skating.

What has been your most magical derby moment?  Playing a bout with Black Rock City Roller Girls at Burning Man was crazy and awesome. My first Sur5val with Rec was very special – I jammed against a pack of our Main League skaters and lived to tell the tale!

Random Flash Fact! I chose my own middle name when I was 8 years old. And I nearly picked Rainbow Brite. Kinda wish I had - Flash Rainbow Brite Gorgon sounds cool.

© Nikki McGlinn

© Jack C Oldridge

“WE DESERVE TO BE HERE”

“I think today we just kind of found ourselves,and found our confidence, and really kind of believed that we belonged here. And I think hopefully we proved that we belong here at Division 1 Playoffs, and we’re just loving life.” - Mona Rampage, Bruisers Co-Captain.

B.A.D. vs Victoria