Roller Derby as a Secular Alternative to Religion*

Sisterhood and affective politics: The CaiRollers mobilising change through roller derby in Egypt

International Journal of Cultural Studies ◽

10.1177/1367877920987237 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 136787792098723

Author(s):

Laura Rodriguez Castro ◽

Adele Pavlidis ◽

Millicent Kennelly ◽

Erin Nichols

Keyword(s):

Discourse Analysis ◽

Middle East ◽

Gender Politics ◽

Political Movements ◽

Roller Derby ◽

Team Members ◽

A Site

This article narrates the affects and experiences of the CaiRollers, the first and only roller derby team in Egypt. Through visual affective discourse analysis of their Instagram account and interviews with team members, the article addresses the question: What do physical practices such as roller derby ‘do’ in e/affecting and mobilising change? In conversation with feminisms from the Middle East, our analysis highlights how the team’s ‘sisterhood’ is a site of affective politics that transcends the roller derby track. At the same time, a desire to be tough and to embrace risk permeated the CaiRollers discourses. Yet, while the team has established its legitimacy within the transnational roller derby community, we narrate the obstacles they face in Egypt. In sum, we found that the CaiRollers involvement in roller derby was entangled in mobilising change in political movements, gender politics, transnational mobilities and questions of legitimacy and sport.

Download Full-text

Touching Fame: Exploring Interactional Dynamics between Local Celebrities and Fans in Sydney’s Roller Derby Scene

(Extra)Ordinary? ◽

10.1163/9789004366954_007 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 93-118

Keyword(s):

Roller Derby

Download Full-text

Men in a ‘women only’ sport? Contesting gender relations and sex integration in roller derby

Sex Integration in Sport and Physical Culture ◽

10.4324/9781315228662-16 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 239-252

Author(s):

Adele Pavlidis ◽

James Connor

Keyword(s):

Gender Relations ◽

Roller Derby ◽

Sex Integration

Download Full-text

STEMroller: smashing stereotypes

Journal of Science Communication ◽

10.22323/2.20010306 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (01) ◽

pp. C06

Author(s):

Helen Bayram ◽

Karen Ironside

Keyword(s):

Science Communication ◽

Roller Derby ◽

Science Technology ◽

Do It Yourself ◽

And Mathematics ◽

Memorable Event

STEMroller events disrupt stereotypes surrounding STEM professionals within a neglected space in science communication; a sports hall. Roller derby inspired STEMroller, both the do-it-yourself culture and creating a space for women and genderqueer people to be themselves. Over 100 female and non-binary STEM professionals volunteered to put this event together for students aged 11–19. STEMroller includes networking with people from over 30 science, technology engineering and mathematics industries, watching roller derby and trying it out — albeit in socks not on wheels. STEMroller uses a pool of engaged volunteers to create a unique and memorable event. Feedback after the event was hugely positive.

Download Full-text