The Suburban New York City Women Roller Derby League engaged itself into a national discussion over the rights of transgender women in athletes.
The women of the Long Island Roller Rebels, has been battling is taking place outside the suburban strip-mall roller rink while they’re girding for the upcoming roller derby season.
The amateur league, in existence for nearly two decades, is taking legal action against a county leader regarding an executive order aimed at barring women’s and girl’s leagues and teams with transgender players from utilizing county-operated parks and fields.
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With the support of the New York Civil Liberties Union, the league’s legal challenge has propelled it into the broader national conversation surrounding the rights of transgender athletes.
Amanda Urena, the league’s vice president, affirmed that there was never any doubt that the organization would make a stand.
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“The whole point of derby has been to be this thing where people feel welcome,” said the 32-year-old Long Island native, who competes as “Curly Fry” and identifies as queer, at a recent practice at United Skates of America in Seaford.”
“We want trans women to know that we want you to come play with us, and we’ll do our very best to keep fighting and making sure that this is a safe space for you to play.”
Sports leagues and teams applying for permits to utilize county-operated parks are required to disclose whether they include or permit transgender women or girls. Any organization that permits their participation will be refused a permit, while men’s leagues and teams remain unaffected.
Legislation restricting the participation of transgender youths in sports has been enacted in approximately 24 states, reflecting a surge in anti-trans legislation across various areas in recent years. Additionally, the largest school district in Manhattan is considering a similar ban, following a recent school board vote.