Louisville’s other derby: an inclusive community on wheels
In the heart of Louisville, echoed cheers and excitement bounce throughout the arena as blurs of speed zoom around an oval track. No, it’s not the Kentucky Derby; it’s the Roller Derby.
For nearly two decades, Louisville Roller Derby (LRD) has been an empowering haven for a gender expansive community of people in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Since its formation in 2005, LRD has created a unique environment that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and empowers skaters from all walks of life.
A unique beginning
Kasey Scarborough, affectionately known by her derby name “KCDC,” reflects on her journey into roller derby. “I started in 2018 the league’s been around since 2005 though… I kind of just brushed it off… after hearing it a couple more times, it felt like it was… calling to me.” After diving back into skating post-COVID, she discovered an exhilarating sense of belonging in the sport. “Once we started getting into the physical activity, like hitting each other, I was like, Oh, I’m never going back… it became my entire world.”
Katie Horlander, who goes by “Wheelin Banshee,” found her way into the league through her children. “I went to watch them play… it was actually my kid who fell in love and was like, Mom, I want to do this,” she said. After just a few months of being immersed in the energy and camaraderie, she realized, “I was hooked too!”
Inclusivity at its core
While members of LRD could spend hours talking about skating and blocking, there’s a special light in their eyes when they talk about how inclusive their club is. As Scarborough put it, “Our league is open to everyone—regardless of gender identity. We welcome cis folks, trans folks, non-binary individuals, and everyone in between. It’s a unique environment where gender representation is celebrated.”
Hanna Woods, the head of marketing and sponsorship known as Jennifer Cruelidge or “Cruel,” added, “Roller Derby has always kind of been a safe and inclusive space for a lot of people… it really is a unique space that allows people to truly just be who they are.” This commitment to inclusivity is evident not only in their acceptance of diverse identities but also in their outreach efforts.
The league actively works to include members of all ages and skill levels, so that anyone who wants to participate can find a place within the community. The welcoming atmosphere is especially meaningful for those who travel from parts of Indiana and Kentucky where queer spaces can be limited. For many, LRD offers an escape from societal norms that can feel confining. Scarborough shared her personal experience: “when I was going through my separation with my husband… I was having a really hard time digesting that information. And I came to practice one day, and somebody had been talking about their relationship… I realized that there was a whole world outside of the world that I had been living in.”
Community and inclusivity are palpable at their races or “bouts,” and you can feel it yourself at their Season Closer Double Header on November 16 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Click here for more information on the bout and how to get tickets.
More than just a game
It’s about more than bouts. Members practice two to three times a week, and each game is a celebration of their dedication and community. “As a league, you try to be as inclusive as possible… try to have as many opportunities to join the community in any capacity,” Scarborough said. Even if you don’t skate, there can be a place for you, as a fan, official, or on one occasion, even graphic artist.
Their upcoming bout in November will be personal, marking one of their first big bouts since before the COVID pandemic. “We really want to get back to where we do a full home season that allows our fans to come out,” Woods explained. Especially for those who joined to find a sense of community and celebration, an in-person bout can offer a heightened sense of belonging and encouragement.
When they’re not hosting big matches, leadership at LRD run workshops, social events, and fundraisers to support its members on and off the track.
What’s next for LRD
The Louisville Roller Derby wants to keep on keeping on, expanding its community outreach and building its status as a welcoming place for all. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just looking for a place to connect, LRD members say they’ll welcome you with open arms
As Scarborough summarized, “We’re not just a roller derby team; we’re a family. We support each other through the ups and downs, and we celebrate every victory together.” That feeling, like the echoing cheers from their fans, resonates throughout the league, making Louisville Roller Derby not just a sporting community but a transformative experience.
In a world where connection can often feel elusive, LRD stands out as a prime example of what happens when people come together with a shared passion.