Features / Queer Skaters
“A collective and safe space on the Bristol skate scene”
A new skate crew in Bristol is looking to fill a gap in the scene and create space for QTIBPOC skateboarders and rollerskaters.
Kindred Folks Crew is a new skate collective for Black/POC women and non-binary people, centring those of QTIBPOC (Queer, trans, intersex, Black and people of colour) identity.
is needed now More than ever
Launched in September 2021, it was founded by Sharifa Whitney James, a well-known QTIBPOC activist and co-founder of QTIBPOC social collective Kiki Bristol.
Sharifa said she started the skate crew to provide a safe space and positive representation for QTIBPOC who want to get involved in the Bristol skate scene.
Sharifa Whitney James is the founder of Kindred Folks Crew. Image: @kindred_folks_crew_ on Instagram
“The skateboard world is very male dominated, specifically white cis male dominated. When you don’t see yourself in these spaces you think they aren’t for you. ” Sharifa says.
“It can be super intimidating to rock up to a skatepark on your own if you aren’t a white cis man, especially if you are new to the sport. That’s why the skate crew is important; safety in numbers and being around people that look like you is really empowering.”
Interest in skate culture has grown since the sport became an Olympic event. Image: @kindred_folks_crew_ on Instagram
Interest in skateboarding, rollerskating, and skate culture has skyrocketed across the globe since skateboarding made its debut as an Olympic event at Tokyo 2020, something which has really hammered home the importance of representation for Sharifa.
“I’ve seen so many videos and conversations with young people about how inspiring it was to see young girls and non binary people in the Olympics. I know it’s a cheesy line but you can’t be what you can’t see and I truly believe that.”
“Imagine being a young non-binary person living in a place with little to no role models or representation of themselves, then turning on the TV and seeing a non-binary skateboarder killing it in the Olympics- how affirming!”
Kindred Folks Crew is a skate crew for QTIBPOC skaters. Image: @kindred_folks_crew_ on Instagram
Bristol has one of the most active skate scenes in the country, including several crews for women and non-binary people like GalGwarn and Bris Girls Skate.
However, Sharifa thinks more could be done to welcome new people into the scene, coach beginners, and provide safe locations for people to skate.
“It would be good to have some adult sessions for people that want to learn and improve; most spaces seem to be for people under 18 if you want to be coached or taught by experienced skaters.”
“We need more spaces where women and non binary folks can skate as most areas or skate parks get very full very quickly and can be intimidating.”
The group has hosted several meetups across Bristol, with more planned. Image via Kindred Folks Crew on Facebook
Kindred Folks Crew works to fill these gaps in the Bristol skate scene. People of all abilities are welcome, and Sharifa notes that most people “will be total beginners”.
Both skateboarders and rollerskaters can join – indeed, the crews Instagram page proudly proclaims “ALL WHEELS WELCOME”- and the group hopes to meet a few times each month at various locations across Bristol.
The crew hopes to grow as a supportive community. Image via Sharifa Whitney James.
For Sharifa, the most important part of Kindred Folks Crew is the community surrounding it, which she aspires to grow over the coming months.
“My hopes are that we can expand and become a little community and safe space for Black/POC women, and non-binary QTIBPOC.”
“I want it to be a collective and shared space taking up space on the Bristol skate scene.”
For info on the next Kindred Folks Crew meet-up, follow them on Instagram: @kindred_folks_crew_
Main image via Sharifa Whitney James
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