When you pack up your skates, gear, and your rainbow-colored pride for a tournament, you hope for the best, but prepare for the worst—especially when you’re traveling with a full crew of trans roller derby skaters to the deep south. We’re not just talking about navigating the roads; we’re talking about navigating a landscape where trans rights are under siege in so many ways.
As my road trip mate and I packed up my SUV and headed out for the Y’Allstars tournament, I’ll admit: I was nervous. Nervous for myself, sure, but more for my team. We’ve all got our identities etched into our bones, and that means facing some tough questions. Would we be safe? Would we be supported? Would anyone try to rain on our queer, trans parade? There’s a weight that comes with traveling in times like these, a gravity to knowing that your very existence is being debated in legislatures and beyond.
But here’s the thing about roller derby: It’s one of the most fiercely inclusive, full-of-heart communities I’ve ever been a part of. And as much as we know the world’s got its issues, it also has pockets of love—so much love. And that was exactly what we encountered at Y’Allstars.
From the moment we rolled into the venue, the support was palpable. The other teams? Supportive. The crowd? Enthusiastic. The officials? Respectful. The organizers? Wonderful. There wasn’t a single major incident to speak of. Just a few minutes into the first game, and it was clear: This wasn’t just about roller derby. It was about showing up as our full, unfiltered selves, as trans athletes, and as a team that knows the value of joy, of showing up for one another, and of carving out space where we can all just… be.
Now, that’s not to say we didn’t feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. The news cycle is grim not just for trans and queer people, but BIPOC and other marginalized groups as well, and we’re all aware of what’s happening across the country when it comes to the fight for our rights. But being in a space where we were seen and supported made all the difference.
And let me tell you, when you’ve got a bunch of queer and trans athletes skating their hearts out on the track, nothing can dim that kind of brilliance. It’s a beautiful, radical act of resistance in its purest form. We were there to play the game, but more importantly, we were there to remind everyone that we belong—no matter what anyone says.
So here’s to the deep south. Here’s to the love we found. Here’s to the hope that while some folks may be working overtime to try to diminish us, there are plenty of others who are working hard to uplift us, too. And most importantly—here’s to a weekend full of incredible derby and even more incredible people.
Y’Allstars, you were a blast. You gave us more than just great bouts—you gave us hope. Here’s to the next one. ✨
