Keweenaw Roller Derby Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

In light of the current administration’s recent executive order, which seeks to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports, Keweenaw Roller Derby firmly stands in support of our transgender and non-binary athletes. This executive action not only undermines the principles of inclusivity and diversity but also directly targets individuals who have long been integral to the roller derby community.

Keweenaw Roller Derby is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all skaters, officials, volunteers, and fans. We believe that roller derby is for everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, ability, or background.

We affirm and support transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive skaters as full and valued members of our league. Keweenaw Roller Derby follows the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) gender policy, which explicitly welcomes and includes trans women, intersex women, and gender-expansive individuals in women’s roller derby. We also celebrate the contributions of skaters and officials of all gender identities in our league and in the broader roller derby community.

Discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior of any kind has no place in KRD. We actively work to ensure our league is a safe and affirming space where all individuals can thrive. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means continuously educating ourselves, advocating for marginalized communities, and holding each other accountable to the values of respect, acceptance, and empowerment.

The recent executive order threatens to erode these inclusive practices by imposing discriminatory restrictions that disregard the identities and rights of transgender individuals. Keweenaw Roller Derby condemns this action and reaffirms our unwavering support for transgender and non-binary athletes. 

We are calling on fellow athletic organizations, lawmakers, and the public to stand against this hateful and discriminatory action, and advocate for the rights of all athletes to compete in the sports they love as their full, authentic selves. 

Together, we roll forward—stronger, bolder, and united.

Meet and Greet at K.C Bonkers

Come play games, and sip a latte at K.C. Bonker’s with the Keweenaw Roller Derby Team on Sunday, February 9 from 2 pm- 5 pm.

We’ll talk about derby, answer your questions, teach you about OUR GAME, and tell you how you can get involved as a skater, official, or volunteer!

We’re also looking for sponsors, and other groups that would like to join us as community partners! We’d love to collaborate and help your organization too. Stop by and chat with us about your ideas.

This vibrant and engaged team welcomes ALL PEOPLE, and we are looking forward to growing our league starting with YOU!

Featured Skater: Amelia HitsHart

Name: Amelia HitsHart

Number: 724

Team/League History: KRD → DC → KRD

Year you became involved in roller derby: 2017

How did you get involved with roller derby? I learned about roller derby while I was living in Traverse City, but the season conflicted with my work so I never joined. When I moved to Houghton, I learned about the league and joined 5 months later!

Where are you from originally? I grew up in Central Indiana

Name a fun little known fact about you: I collect used postage stamps, but I have some irresistible new ones, too.

How did you pick your name? I loved Amelia Earhart as a kid. She, along with Bessie Coleman, was a barrier-breaking lady and I just thought she was the coolest.

What is your pre-derby sports/skating background? I rollerbladed for most of my childhood. Never trick skating, but in 6th grade we got a dog and I would have him pull me around the neighborhood every day. We usually got going pretty fast and I’m certain that going 15 mph on rollerblades helped me build balance and confidence on wheels. I also played soccer and softball and was on the swim team. 

Please tell us about your rookie year and how you learned to play or officiate roller derby? Lucky for me KRD did rolling recruitment for 2 seasons and I joined without having to officially go through freshie training. (I think it helped that I had lots of skating experience.) I didn’t have a car at the time so Black Ice would pick me up and bring me to every practice!! Some of the veterans would patiently explain the rules to me in between drills and scrimmage jams. On the track, whenever I was feeling unstable I would latch on to Skatin’, a retired skater whose stability helped me immensely. Whenever I provide stability to freshies I feel like I’m paying it forward.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? Stew silently with some serious RBF; I’m focused on the bout and nervous about doing my best. All that nervousness melts away after my first jam, so I’m grateful when I’m in the first one.

Do you have a favorite motivational quote? Let’s fuck shit up which is often accompanied by some weird faces and wild hip thrusts.

What is your position of choice? Blocker but I’m learning to enjoy jamming. 

How would you describe your derby playing style? I am going through a bit of a transition – while skating in DC I had a different role on the team and therefore played differently. Now I am bringing that skating style home to KRD and figuring out how to blend the two together. Sometimes I’ll flounder, but I’m still able to provide stability and clear communication to my teammates while I’m on the track. That’s what is important to me!

Have you held any leadership positions in leagues? How have those positively impacted your personal roller derby career?  I served on the board for a few years as both the treasurer and derby operations. I enjoyed both and came to appreciate how much behind the scenes work goes into running a successful team. Now I’m no longer on the board but I LOVE being the practice lead and believe it is an important way to contribute to my league.

What is your job outside of roller derby? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby? I am the Great Lakes Resource Specialist for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Natural Resources Department. I monitor proposed and on-going resource extraction and consider the implications to Tribal treaty rights. I’m not sure that it’s contributed to my roller derby experience, but I’m awfully excited to be able to live and work in such a wonderful place! 

What advice do you have for people who want to get involved roller derby? Do it! 

And lastly, favorite places in the Keweenaw? The shores of Lake Superior, preferably with a book and lots of snacks. 

Featured Skater: DuraBelle

Name: DuraBelle

Number: 1020

Team/League History: KRD member 2 years going to be 3!

Year you became involved in roller derby: 2022

How did you get involved with roller derby? FreshMeat

Where are you from originally? Maine

Name a fun little known fact about you: Currently the oldest Skating skater on KRD!

How did you pick your name? I am durable.

What is your pre-derby sports/skating background? Soccer and softball 

Please tell us about your rookie year and how you learned to play or officiate roller derby? I learned from KRD training team.  They are the best:)

Do you have a pre-game ritual? Feeling nauseous!

Do you have a favorite motivational quote?  Live to the fullest and do your best!

What is your position of choice? Blocker

What is your favorite drill at practice and why? Catching a goat.

How would you describe your derby playing style? I have no style just getting better and stronger each practice!

Have you held any leadership positions in leagues? How have those positively impacted your personal roller derby career?  Yes, taught me to be understanding and respectful of others.

What is your job outside of roller derby? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?  I work for a non profit, Community Alliance for Progressive Education and  I am a real estate agent at Century 21 Affiliated. 

What advice do you have for people who want to get involved in roller derby? Do it!

Keeping with our 2024 season theme (A Decade of Derby), what is your personal favorite decade or era? Why?  90’s because I was in my teens!

And lastly, favorite places in the Keweenaw?  And lastly, favorite places in the Keweenaw?  Covered Drive, Rocket Launch, Porcupine Mountain and sandy beaches.