In the bustling suburban area of Seaford, New York, the Long Island Roller Rebels are gearing up for their upcoming roller derby season, engaging in intense practice sessions filled with energy, strategy, and camaraderie. However, a much bigger battle off the rink, against a recent Nassau County executive order that has sparked significant controversy and discussion across the country, overshadows their athletic endeavors.
The order, which Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued in February, targets women’s and girls’ sports teams with transgender players and effectively forbids them from using county-run parks and facilities.
This directive has compelled the Roller Rebels, a nearly 20-year-old amateur roller derby league, to take legal action. They are contesting the policy with the New York Civil Liberties Union’s support, underscoring the ongoing national discussion about the rights of transgender athletes.
Amanda Urena, the league’s vice president and a player known as “Curly Fry,” emphasizes roller derby’s inclusive nature, highlighting the sport’s commitment to welcoming transgender women. “The whole point of derby has been to be this thing where people feel welcome,” Urena states, underscoring the league’s determination to fight for a safe and inclusive space.
The executive order demands sports leagues and teams seeking permits for county facilities to disclose if they include transgender women or girls. Non-compliant organizations are denied access, a stipulation not applicable to men’s leagues.
This measure not only affects the Roller Rebels, who have transgender members, but also sends ripples through the broader sports community in Nassau County, home to nearly 1.4 million residents.
The decision to sue comes at a critical time, as legislation restricting transgender youth’s participation in sports is being enacted in various states, part of a broader wave of anti-trans laws. Nassau County’s stance has elicited a strong response from State Attorney General Letitia James, who argues that the ban violates state anti-discrimination laws, and has called for its reversal.
Roller derby has historically been a refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals, known for its acceptance and support of queer and transgender women. Margot Atwell, a former player and author on the subject, notes the sport’s unique community ethos and its role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The Roller Rebels, with their diverse membership and commitment to inclusivity, represent this spirit.
Critics of the county’s policy, including transgender athletes and advocates, condemn it as unnecessary and discriminatory, arguing that it targets vulnerable individuals rather than addressing any real issue.
The debate has attracted attention from figures like Caitlyn Jenner, who, despite her own transition, supports the ban, illustrating the complex and often divisive opinions within and outside the transgender community.
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The Bottom Line
As the legal battle unfolds, the consequences of Nassau County’s executive order extend beyond the immediate impact on the Roller Rebels. The dispute highlights broader concerns about inclusivity, fairness, and the role of sports as a vehicle for unity and acceptance. With the lawsuit, the Roller Rebels are not just fighting for their right to play; they’re standing up for the principle that everyone deserves a chance to participate in sports, irrespective of gender identity.
