Derby, we need to talk.
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.
Always with love,Tear o'Bite
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