The players really put their blood, sweat, and tears into roller derby – and not just on the track. The publication showcases the very creative and artistic illustrations, photography, graphic designs, and articles from members of the roller derby community.
Category: From the Archives
NMRD Object of the Month: September
Roller Derby dismantles what it means to be ‘feminine’. It mixes adrenaline and ferocity with the provocative. Often, players names are derived from pop-culture references and the bouts are no different. This specific programme draws from the classic romantic genre Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
NMRD Object of the Month: Roller Derby Bout Programme
Roller Derby was born from humble beginnings back in 1933 by Leo Seltzer. As he scribbled down rules on a table cloth in a restaurant in Chicago, he envisioned both men and women competing in a marathon type race – a race of stamina and speed. Initially roller derby was not a rough contact sport and was more similar to the dance marathons that were popping up at the time. Popularity for the game increased during 1930s depression era and it payed relatively well with good benefits. But for women, it was something more. It was a chance to to see women compete in equal measure to men in a sport.
NMRD Object of the Month: Roller Derby Bout Programme
In response to the increasing brutality of the sport, players wear helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to help minimise injury. Players show off their track rash and bruises proudly as it has become a huge part of the sporting culture.
NMRD Object of the Month: Glasgow Roller Derby vs Vagine Regime Bout Programme
At its most base roots, roller derby has gender and LGBT+ policies that are the most progressive in any sport. It is a grassroots sport that welcomes all identities. The Vagine Regime is a community within this sport that has taken off and spread all across the world, from North America, to the U.K., and to Australia.
Is Pride A Protest?
Gender studies placement student Grace reflects on LGBTQ pride. It is impossible to read through the Lespop files without gaining an understanding of the fact that daily existence was often […]
Intersectionality and LesPop
Gender Studies placement student Grace’s second blog look at intersectionality in the GWL collections. Since beginning my Masters in Gender Studies I have repeatedly learnt not to be surprised when […]
NMRD Object of the Month: Sheffield Steel Roller Girls Postcards
team names can often adopt puns hinting at local cultural references. Bouts and competitions also use cultural references in their names. This highlights the empowering nature of roller derby.
How many references and puns can you spot?
Introduction to Les Pop
Gender Studies Placement student Grace introduces us to the Lesbians and Policing Project Collection.
NMRD Object of the Month: Severn Roller Torrent Artwork
The combination of wearing provocative ’boutfits’ and playing a fierce and violent contact sport helps to challenge gender binary assumptions and heteronormative roles. It shows that women do not need to chose between being sexy and tough. They can be both.
However, in an effort to break the mould and transform from a fun league to a professional one, many teams today are ditching the ‘boutfits’ for more professional and athletic uniforms.