skating pretty: contradiction and community in the queer & girl skate scene

Abstract

In this project, I use autoethnography to explore contradiction and community emergent in the queer and girl skate scene from 2017 to 2021. With a focus on my experiences in skate meet-ups, and perceptions of media and commercial representation of girl and queer skaters, I demonstrate how community is maintained and challenged with folks of marginalized genders in skateboarding. Iuse José Esteban Muñoz's notion of queer futurity to analyze moments of bonding in the safe spaces of meet-ups. I posit that meet-ups challenge hegemony within skateboarding and illuminate a queer and inclusive skateboarding future.