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.