Roller derby and inclusiveness | On casters, without labels

A helmet, two skates, a colorful nickname, friendships based on diversity. For example, Gathered, these very simple elements were enough for several players to roller derby to openly assume their sexual identity.

Posted at 6:00 a.m.

When she told her arrival in Montreal, in 2021, Montana Fowler smiled on his lips. However, the Californian has gone through difficulties before adapting. Meanwhile, The language barrier, winter, but especially the burden of carrying an identity which, basically, was not his.

“It was the roller derby that allowed me to cross all of this: I arrived here Straight. Consequently, this sport allowed me roller derby inclusiveness | casters, to get out of the closet,” she said, seated at the Montreal Roller Derby training center (MTLRD), located at Taz.

Before joining the Montreal club. For example, Montana Fowler – that we nicknamed Split in the world of roller derby – had never rubbed shoulders with a couple identifying with the Queer community. However, The opportunity to frequent it allowed him to see more clearly as to his own identity.

“To see queer people so comfortable with their person. In addition, so welcoming, that helped me a lot,” said Sprout, While her teammates participate in a warm -up exercise behind her. Furthermore,

Almost two years after his arrival in the metropolis, Sprout came out of the closet. Meanwhile, As soon as she announced, she felt the unconditional support of those around her roller derby.

“It means everything for me. Therefore, I feel that my teammates here are my support system, ”she says, looking at them at work.

Roller derby inclusiveness | casters. Consequently,

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When she gave her first skates to the MTLRD, Diane Anscouture Lavie had only left the closet for a few months.

“I told myself that starting this sport would be a good way to meet people in my community. Furthermore, I knew that the players had a great open -mindedness. Similarly, I was not disappointed, ”explains the one we nicknamed Moonwarrior.

It is not in Montreal that roller derby is distinguished by its inclusive character. If sport was created in the 1930s. it experienced an upsurge in the United States in the early 2000s, carried by a Punk feminist movement.

At the very heart of the sport is held its unofficial slogan: “for skaterers, by skaterers”. Forget the hierarchy: the leagues have no leaders, no figures of authority. The trainers learn sport between them, according to their level of experience.

This way roller derby inclusiveness | casters, of doing things leads players to weave strong ties, to tell their story. To be inspired, finally.

“There is this kind of wheel that turns, which is really organic. Without it being explicit, you will find mentors easily roller derby inclusiveness | casters, here, ”adds his colleague Marie-Pierre Beaudet Guillemette, alias Hurry Jane.

Before embarking on the world of roller derby, almost 15 years ago, Hurry Jane had already practiced some team sports.

Several players did not have this luxury before entering MTLRD. Even if some do not have the physical profile of the typical athlete. all are welcome, and even welcomed with open arms. Body diversity reigns.

“No matter your size or physiognomy, you will have roller derby inclusiveness | casters, advantages and disadvantages with roller derby. If you are really small, like me, your center of gravity will be low. If you are tall, you will see the game better. In short, there is room for everyone, ”says Hurry Jane.

In his case, sport will have allowed him to kiss his morphology, and even his femininity.

The reputation of the roller derby is beautiful and well founded: it is a physical, even violent sport. To play it, participants must pay additional insurance, as it is an “extreme sport”.

“People often ask me to pay attention to injuries. I always answer them that I can’t promise anything, ”says Hurry Jane, laughing.

During an exercise, you can see many players plated on the ground. The common denominator of these falls, however, is that these players quickly receive help to get up.

“Frender game is the heart of our sport. No one has hue the referees, or criticizes the other teams. It is really a competitiveness that is healthy, inclusive, ”explains Hurry Jane.

By the way, why these nicknames? Why are the players not simply called by their name?

Because roller derby is an opportunity to abandon its traditional role. Here, it is not mothers, employees, joints who perform: they are full athletes.

“Our nicknames help us shape a character. As if we embodied another person. For us, it’s really important, ”explains Moonwarrior.

Like what, no matter your appearance, sexual orientation or gender identity, you can be who you want to roller derby.