Roller derby league take legal action against anti-trans order and tell trans women: ‘We want you’
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Long Island Roller Rebels, the first flat-track roller derby league on Long Island, has filed a lawsuit against Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman over an anti-trans order that bans trans women from playing on county-run parks and fields. The league, formed in 2005, is being supported by the New York Civil Liberties Union in their legal action against the controversial executive order.
Blakeman issued the order earlier this month, citing concerns about the safety of women and girls participating in sports. The order prevents women’s and girl’s leagues and teams with trans players from using county-run park and fields. The decision has sparked outrage among the roller derby community and LGBTQ advocates, who argue that it is discriminatory and goes against the values of inclusion and diversity.
The New York Civil Liberties Union has condemned the order as cruel and dangerous, pointing out that it undermines team unity and encourages divisiveness by policing members’ identities. In response to the backlash, Blakeman defended his decision, stating that biological males are inherently bigger, larger, and faster than biological females. The legality of the order is currently being challenged in at least two courts.
Amanda Urena, vice president of the Long Island Roller Rebels, expressed her disappointment with the ban in a recent interview with The Independent. Urena, who identifies as queer and plays under the name “Curly Fry,” emphasized the league’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for all players, including trans women. She vowed to continue fighting against the discriminatory policy and highlighted the importance of diversity in sports.
State Attorney General Letitia James has called for a repeal of the ban, arguing that it violates state anti-discrimination laws. New York is one of 22 states that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, making Blakeman’s order potentially illegal under state law.
The controversy surrounding the Nassau County order is part of a larger trend of attacks against trans athletes in recent years. In the UK, Labour leader Keir Starmer recently voiced support for trans sports bans, while Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympian and trans advocate, made controversial comments about trans women not being “real women.” Major sporting federations, including Badminton England, British Rowing, and Swim England, have also implemented policies barring transgender women from competing.
The Long Island Roller Rebels’ legal battle against the anti-trans order highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in sports. The league’s determination to fight for inclusivity and diversity sends a powerful message to the roller derby community and beyond. As the case unfolds in court, advocates hope for a positive outcome that upholds the principles of equality and fairness in sports.
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