Philly Roller Derby league turns 20 - here’s how the sport skated its way to feminism, anti-racism and queer liberation Early members of Philly’s roller derby league face off in a match circa 2005-2006. Jeff Fusco/The Conversation U.S., CC BY-ND by Colleen English, Penn State For 20 years, Philly Roller Derby skaters, ...

For 20 years, Philly Roller Derby skaters, who go by names like Woolly Slammoth, TrailBlazeHer and Reba Smackentire, have jammed and blocked their way around oval skating rinks in the spirit of feminism, anti-racism, body positivity and queer liberation. #phillyrollerderby #happytwentyyear

Philly Roller Derby league turns 20 - here’s how the sport skated its way to feminism, anti-racism and queer liberation Since its start in 1935, roller derby has evolved from a Depression-era fad to TV spectacle to an unabashedly feminist sport that subverts gender norms.

For 20 years, Philly Roller Derby skaters, who go by names like Woolly Slammoth, TrailBlazeHer and Reba Smackentire, have jammed and blocked their way around oval skating rinks in the spirit of feminism, anti-racism, body positivity and queer liberation. #phillyrollerderby #twentyyears