A non-profit association run by and for its skaters, Adelaide Roller Derby aims to provide an empowering and enduring experience for women in Adelaide, including those within the queer community.
With a new season on the horizon, the teams are preparing to roll into action and give it everything they've got. . . But before they do, we profiled a few of the players who are part of the queer community, to see what they love about being part of ADRD.
Gnome Chompsky #8 (Salty Dolls)
Why do you love roller derby?
I love roller derby for the feeling of strength and empowerment it gives me. Whether I’m blocking or jamming, I’m always discovering the incredible things my body is capable of achieving.
How did you get involved with Adelaide Roller Derby?
I spent a lot of time rollerblading for fun in uni, and when I found out roller derby existed in Adelaide I had to see a bout. From there it was an easy choice to get involved.
What advice do you have for someone (queer or not) who might be keen to try roller derby but doesn't know where to start?
Don’t compare yourself to others. Whatever level you start at, use that as your benchmark, and watch how much you improve over time. It’s an individual journey and we all have our own strengths.
Roller derby is for everyone, but why do you think it's an important sport when it comes to people in the queer community?
For me, it’s been such a wonderful experience to make other queer friends, and be openly myself with those friends. Roller derby allows you to present yourself to the world in the way you choose – and to have that identity accepted and celebrated. As a queer person, it’s rare to find a space that gives you that acceptance and support, so roller derby is very special to me.
MagiCass #234 (Wild Hearses)
Why do you love roller derby?
I love sport but was never great at any of the more traditional sports. I love that people of all ages, shapes and sizes can play and have a purpose on (and off!) the track. Also, community. As soon as you join the league you have 100 new besties. It’s a great vibe and so much fun. It’s also excellent for fitness and stress relief, and you can’t go past the obvious – the best part is hitting people.
How did you get involved with Adelaide Roller Derby?
My first exposure to derby was when a friend took me a long to an ADRD Grand Final, all the way back in 2009. As soon as I saw it I knew I needed to be a part of this amazing game! I began going to social skates and then joined a different league to learn the basics. I got into ADRD on my second attempt, becoming a member in 2013. I’ve travelled with both the B and C teams, and after a few home team transfers I’m feeling very much at home now with the Wild Hearses.
What advice do you have for someone (queer or not) who might be keen to try roller derby but doesn't know where to start?
Get yourself some skates and go along to social skates at the local rinks. Practise at every opportunity. Watch as much derby as you can and learn the rules. Getting your head around the game and the intricate rules is half the challenge. Don’t be afraid! Talk to current and past players. And have a bucket load of fun learning about this incredible game.
Roller derby is for everyone, but why do you think it's an important sport when it comes to people in the queer community?
The roller derby community allows you to be 100 per cent your authentic self. In other aspects of our lives we often have to hide bits and pieces in order to fit in and be accepted by various peer groups, at work, and unfortunately even with our families sometimes. But at derby we are accepted for who we are, no matter our sexual or gender identity or preferences, or whatever flavour of the rainbow we might be. The freedom to personalise our boutfits and adopt a derby name are an extension of this and provide more opportunities to be whoever we want to be that other parts of life just doesn’t allow. And derby also provides lots of opportunities to meet others in the queer community, not only within the league but also supporters and when we travel, which is an excellent bonus.
Eze-Kill #2517 (Wild Hearses)
Why do you love roller derby?
Roller Derby nurtures all my strengths, it gives me a platform to challenge myself daily, to recognise my weaknesses and be vulnerable in a safe environment. And you get to hit your pals!
How did you get involved with Adelaide Roller Derby?
Friends of friends were talking about Fresh Meat at a dinner and I was instantly drawn in, just by their expression when talking about the sport, the community, the empowerment. I could tell it was something special and that I needed to be a part of it.
What advice do you have for someone (queer or not) who might be keen to try roller derby but doesn't know where to start?
Search your local clubs and send them a message, it is scary to reach out to a community that you’re not familiar with but just do it, get a friend to do it with you. Get involved however you can, if you’re not quite ready for the skating you can be part of the community through referee and non-skating official positions.
Roller derby is for everyone, but why do you think it's an important sport when it comes to people in the queer community?
It’s a safe and nurturing space for all, you will truly be accepted for whoever you are, who you want to be, in whatever body you have or want. And even more than acceptance, we celebrate each other and our uniqueness and strength! Because friends, we are all strong!
Fairy Dust #689 (Road Train Rollers)
Why do you love roller derby?
I love that roller derby is an exhilarating, full contact sport played on rollerskates. I also love the creative names skaters use and identify with.
How did you get involved with Adelaide Roller Derby?
I got given a pair of rollerskates and couldn’t work out what to do with them as I wanted to do more than just street skating. A friend suggested I try out for ADRD and Fresh Meat just happened to be running at the same time! Was definitely an exciting week.
What advice do you have for someone (queer or not) who might be keen to try roller derby but doesn't know where to start?
Just go for it! Go to your local skate rink, chat to some local leagues, watch online videos, practise at home, just keep at it. Persistence and determination are your best friends.
Roller derby is for everyone, but why do you think it's an important sport when it comes to people in the queer community?
There are an abundance of skaters in the roller derby community that identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella who are happy, positive, proud and out which makes them to be quite the role model for onlookers! It also shows just how welcoming the community and sport as a whole is.
Feisty Feline #72 (Mile Die Club)
Why do you love roller derby?
I love roller derby from the escape of real life troubles.
How did you get involved with Adelaide Roller Derby?
My coworker bought skates for her kids and herself so I lent her my copy of 'Whip It'. She then Googled roller derby in Adelaide and found out about the league. We went along to a bout and fell in love.
What advice do you have for someone (queer or not) who might be keen to try roller derby but doesn't know where to start?
Have a chat with any skater about your interest and they will be happy to help you join a brilliant community.
