Roller skating has long transcended being merely a pastime or a sport; it has become a vibrant cultural phenomenon intertwined with various social movements. From its roots in the 1930s to the colorful roller discos of the 1970s, roller skating has historically been a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves freely. This tradition continues today, with modern pride parades featuring dynamic skating events and LGBTQ+ friendly roller groups emerging worldwide. Skating has provided a platform for self-expression, community building, and activism, making it a lasting symbol of resilience and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as we kick off Pride Month by exploring the rich history of skating in the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting stories of courage, unity, and joy on wheels.
1930s
Roller skating’s reputation as an inclusive activity for minorities began in the 1930s when sports promoter Leo Selzer introduced roller derby to Depression-era Chicago. In a groundbreaking move, Selzer encouraged women to participate in the sport alongside men, opening the door to roller skating for groups otherwise facing discrimination.
1970s
The 1970s saw the rise of the disco era and the integration of the LGBTQ+ community into the roller skating scene. Roller skating became a popular activity in disco bars, which were safe havens for the LGBTQ+ community. Disco and roller skating celebrated a fluid expression of gender and identity, fostering an environment where self-expression was embraced. Although roller skating became stigmatized as a result, it grew even more popular among LGBTQ+ communities across America. Notably, in 1974, Seattle's first Gay Pride Week featured a roller-skating sing-along atop the Volunteer Park Water Tower.
1980s
The 1980s continued this tradition, with roller skating being featured in prominent LGBTQ+ events. For example, the first annual pride celebration in Indiana, Illinois, in 1983 and 1984 included a festival, yard sale, church services, and a roller skating party, reinforcing its role as a beloved community activity.
2000s
As the 21st century began, roller skating's mainstream popularity waned, but it continued to thrive in LGBTQ+ circles. Underground roller derbies, such as the Los Angeles Derby Dolls—a mostly all-women roller derby run by the lesbian community—kept the sport alive. According to Jessica Stites, who participated in the derby in 2008, the sport's "open sexuality" attracted many within the LGBTQ+ community. These underground derbies sustained roller skating's presence in LGBTQ+ culture until it began to make a broader comeback in later years.
2020s
Roller skating experienced a cultural resurgence between 2020 and 2024, largely propelled by social media platforms like TikTok. Its popularity within the LGBTQ+ community continues to flourish globally, reflecting the growing awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and experiences. LGBTQ+ roller skating groups such as the Queer Skate Alliance in Los Angeles, WeGotThis and Queer Skate LDN in London, Berlin’s Jam Skate Club, and Queer Skate Club in Amsterdam have sprung up, offering vibrant spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and adults to engage in the sport.
ROLLER'S QUEER LEGACY
Roller skating has maintained its status as an inclusive sport that fosters diverse forms of self-expression and self-exploration. Its resurgence in popularity, coupled with increased awareness of LGBTQ+ experiences, has strengthened its role as a symbol of acceptance and community. Over nearly a century, roller skating has brought the LGBTQ+ community together, providing a safe and joyful environment for people of all ages. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of inclusivity and solidarity.
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