I get why women say that roller derby changed their life. I tried out for the Inner West Roller Derby League last year because I couldn’t bear the gym being my only physical activity. My desk is just eight steps from my bed, so I’m not even getting the ‘walk to the station’ exercise that comes from commuting. I’ve always been uninterested in sport (watching and playing), so joining a team was completely out of character.
I was expecting to get really good at skating, get some impressive bruises, and to wear hotpants. What I wasn’t expecting was to be instantly welcomed into a family of fabulous people with excellent hair, gorgeous tattoos, and great names.
Before I started playing, life had become pretty blah. It wasn’t particularly bad, it just was. I’d been sick for a while, and there was a sameness to each day. But the energy and laughter from playing derby spread to the rest of my life. I started wearing more colours. I met a bunch of awesome women I admired on twitter. I started hosting a writers’ night (next one in April, by the way). Derby marked the point where I got my mojo back. So yeah, when women say that roller derby changed their life, I totally get that.
But – and this is the point of this post, I was just giving you that feel-good stuff to hook you in – we don’t just smash each other on the track and then go for beers afterwards. We’re also trying to do some good shit for other people. Which is why we’re holding a charity screening of I am a girl on Thursday 27th February:
The film follows six young women from Cambodia, PNG, Cameroon, Afghanistan, USA and Australia. It explores what it means to be born a girl in the 21st century.
There’ll be a Q&A session with the award-winning filmmaker Rebecca Barry, and because it’s a derby event, there’ll also be delicious cakes.
The money raised is going to Twenty10, an organisation that supports young people of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities.
Date: Thursday 27th February
Time: doors open 7pm, film starts at 7:30pm
Venue: Red Ratter, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville
Tickets: $12 (get ’em here: http://bit.ly/1nFHbLp)
Here’s the Facebook page.
Come along, say hi, get to know your local derby team, and watch a great film. We’re doing freshmeat soon so perhaps you’ll join us on the track. It might just change your life.
How *ace* NWN… and that’s because quantifiably: 1. You talking about derby and it’s impact on you personally is super fun and inspiring. 2. I love that derby girls are working together to make a difference in their communities; as well as *skate like stars*. 3. I used to work at Twenty10, and the money raised on this night will be well-used and make a difference locally. 4. Red Rattler = fab! 5. You’ll get to hear directly from the filmmaker, which is always such a great insight… and 6. all the peoples there on the night get to be part of the fun. Love it. Think it’s wonderful. *fist pump* *double fist pump*
THANKS LADY! We want to do something with you for our next event.
Argh. Want to be there but scheduling would be very tight, Mr12 finishes singing at Hornsby at 6pm. Can I get him home and then me and Ms15 to Marrickville in time?
Ooh, that would be tight. Do-able if the traffic is good. Would be lovely to see you again.
Will probably be able to recruit the husband to do the pick up from singing. *fingers crossed*
*double crossed*
Popped it on Eastside for you: http://eastsidefm.org
Wonderful! Thanks so much, Orlando.
Glad you are getting out and doing stuff! I need to do more and am working on it! Have fun, enjoy life!
Scott