Mar 2

Mar 2 Briana King

As metal as skating is, it has long been gatekept by the likes of those frigid to queer folx or femme-presenting. Heralding skating as a “safe space for the non-traditional” (@display.only), LGTBQ+ advocate, skater, and model Briana King shares her thoughts on starting out her queer skate meetups, going international, and the importance of chosen family and friends.

The space for queer, womxn-led skateboarders is opening up thanks to inclusive, powerful meetups like yours! Where most activism ends online, you take it straight back to the community. How was your latest meetup different from your very first one?
My meet ups have no real agenda but to welcome others and help those who want it. I’m never going to change that about my meetups. The biggest change I see is in the people that have been attending, the once closed off / shy people are now some of the most welcoming and taking charge!

How does queering skateboarding lead your activism? Or, how else does activism inform queer/womxn-led skateboarding?
Queer skateboarding created a space where it’s okay to be yourself. I didn’t come out to my family until everybody from my meetups encouraged me to. I never felt like I had that support in my life till I met all my women & queer skaters. Without all the support I’ve had thus far I wouldn’t have been able to help others. I don’t know if I’d like to call myself an activist because we’re just a family helping each other be ourselves.

How was it taking your meetups abroad?
I’m still in awe that I was able to teach people how to skate when we don’t even speak the same language. Obviously it was a dream come true to travel for my passion, but I’ll never get over the fact that I don’t need to speak the same language to share a passion.

Are there any projects coming up that you want to share with us?
I’m working on another tour this summer and I’ll be traveling with my friends this time around. :)