Breaking Barriers: Women and Queer Skaters in Skateboarding
Skateboarding is changing - but not fast enough. Women and queer skaters are stepping up in a sport long dominated by men, yet barriers like unequal pay, harassment, and poor media representation persist. Here’s what you need to know:
- Women make up 2.7 million of the 9 million skaters in the U.S., and 7.4% identify as LGBTQ+.
- Despite progress, skateboarding still excludes women and queer skaters through unequal sponsorships and unsafe skatepark environments.
- Media representation is dismal: Thrasher magazine has featured just one woman on its cover since 1981.
- Social media helps marginalized skaters gain visibility but also exposes them to harassment.
Solutions include grassroots programs like Girls Skate Denver and Queer Skate Toronto, as well as industry efforts from brands like Vans and Nike. Both approaches are needed to make skateboarding truly welcoming for everyone.
Pushing for Inclusivity in Skateboarding
Barriers Women and Queer Skaters Face
While skateboarding has made strides toward inclusivity, women and queer skaters still encounter deep-rooted challenges tied to the sport’s culture and structure. These barriers make it difficult for those outside the traditional mold to feel fully welcomed.
Gender Inequality and Exclusion
The numbers paint a clear picture of skateboarding's gender imbalance. In the United States, 83.4% of frequent skaters are men. Sponsorship opportunities reflect this disparity. Major brands sponsor very few women and non-binary skaters: Nike’s team has 7 out of 54 skaters, Adidas 1 out of 27, Converse Cons 1 out of 20, and Vans 6 out of 46. Without sponsorship, access to quality gear, financial backing, and visibility becomes limited, perpetuating the cycle of inequality.
Competitions have historically excluded women or paid them less for the same participation. Although things have improved in some areas, the legacy of unequal treatment still impacts how women and queer skaters are perceived and valued in the industry. These structural issues often manifest in skateparks as well, creating unwelcoming spaces.
Harassment and Safety Issues
Skateparks, which should be places of community and growth, often turn into hostile environments for women and queer skaters. Alexa Berriochoa describes the scrutiny she faces:
"I feel like any cis-woman who skates a lot knows the feeling of walking into a skate park and then immediately every boy in the park turns and looks at you and waits with expectation".
This kind of attention forces women to constantly prove themselves in ways male skaters rarely experience. Berriochoa also notes some of the worst behavior she has witnessed:
"A lot of the worst things that I ever saw, like oppressive forces and the way that cis, het [heterosexual] men treat people in their spaces, happened at skate parks".
For many women, safety concerns lead to modified skating habits. Vancouver skater Ciara Wilson shares:
"I skate alone a lot of the time and often don't like to skate actually in the park for fear of judgment or people being mean so there have been times where I end up skating to the side or don't even go to the park".
Wilson explains that having male companions sometimes makes her feel safer and more included:
"Those guys make me feel safe and like I'm actually a skater when we go skate, which is rad. However, it's sad to think that I have to rely on having a guy with me sometimes to feel like I'm a part of the skate community".
Kristin Ebeling highlights the underlying power dynamics:
"Cis-men just really dominate skateboarding and, in particular, white, able-bodied men that [think they] are super entitled".
These dynamics fuel harmful stereotypes, such as the assumption that women skate for attention or are inherently less skilled. Wilson notes:
"There seems to be this assumption that women trying to skate are doing it for clout, are dressing and skating for men and are just generally inferior to men".
These attitudes extend beyond skateparks into how women and queer skaters are represented in media.
Poor Media Representation and Visibility
Skateboarding media remains overwhelmingly male-oriented, reinforcing the idea that women and queer skaters don’t belong. For instance, Thrasher magazine, which has about 100,000 readers, has featured a woman on its cover only once since its launch in 1981.
Photographer Kerria Gray points out the limited effort to include women:
"There was always this undercurrent of sexism in a lot of the media. The fact is that magazines like Thrasher will have one women's special and that's it, instead of trying to make an effort to be inclusive, issue after issue".
This lack of representation has tangible effects. Jonah Bayley, founder of Vancouver Queer Skate, explains:
"Queer people are rarely represented in mainstream skate media, and as a result they're less likely to pick up a board and learn to skate".
The absence of diverse role models creates challenges from the start. For example, men are four times more likely than women and gender-nonconforming skaters to have their first skateboard purchased for them.
Social media has become a double-edged sword. While it offers visibility, it also exposes women and queer skaters to harassment. Despite these hurdles, women’s participation in skateboarding has grown by 790% over the past decade. Researcher Mariah Davenport attributes this growth to social media:
"The logarithmic growth of participation rates among women is largely due to the ability for women to find representation for themselves on social media platforms to compensate for the lack of representation in mainstream media".
Davenport also stresses the importance of women shaping their own narrative:
"When our voices are left out, our community does not get served. Women in skateboarding do not wish to be the charity case for the 'good guys'. We wish to have ownership over the perspective we bring to skateboarding culture".
How Exclusion Affects Skateboarding Culture
Barriers within skateboarding don’t just leave individuals feeling left out - they also chip away at the sense of community and creativity that define the sport. When exclusion becomes the norm, it weakens the foundation of skateboarding and limits its ability to grow and evolve.
Reduced Participation and Community Connection
Exclusion has a direct impact on skateboarding’s reach and vibrancy. When women and queer individuals feel unwelcome, they often avoid participating altogether. This means the sport misses out on the variety of skills, ideas, and energy that a more inclusive group could bring.
Amy, a facilitator with Anyone Can Skate, explains how representation - or the lack of it - affects potential skaters:
"They don't see people that look like them, so they're constantly questioning, 'Do I belong here? Is this for me?'"
Without role models or inclusive spaces, many potential skaters never get the chance to discover their passion for skateboarding.
Alexa Berriochoa shares her personal experience with the effects of exclusion:
"Honestly, this program itself is the only reason I'm riding a skateboard now. Because this is the only instance I've seen an organized space that's built for people that generally aren't welcome at skate parks"
Her story shows how many individuals with untapped talent are left out when inclusive programs are scarce.
Kristin Ebeling, Executive Director of Skate Like a Girl, emphasizes the life-changing impact of acceptance:
"Going from literally feeling like I was such a freak to all of a sudden being accepted and loved for exactly who I was, it was like a switch on a light"
When skaters don’t get this sense of belonging, the community loses out on diverse voices and experiences. This not only reduces participation but also places an emotional burden on those who feel excluded.
Mental Health and Self-Expression Challenges
For marginalized skaters, exclusion often leads to a struggle to fit in, which can take a toll on their mental health. Instead of being a source of joy and self-expression, skateboarding can become a source of stress and anxiety when individuals feel pressured to prove their worth.
Soph Elden describes this pressure:
"You have this ego that you have to be better than them. I always told myself I need to be better than at least one of the dudes in this group so that I can fit in"
Similarly, Alexa Berriochoa shares how fear of judgment affects her time at the skate park:
"I don't want to be the center of negative focus at a skate park because I know what that's like"
In San Diego, California, one in eight youth experience poor mental health, with depression rates rising most sharply among women, girls, and LGBTQ+ youth. Skateboarding has the potential to be a positive outlet for these individuals, but exclusion often prevents them from accessing its benefits.
Kendra Sebelius, a volunteer with Skate Rising's Exposure Skate program, highlights the importance of creating safe spaces:
"As a member of that community (LGBTQ+) myself, when I was a teenager I didn't often feel seen or deserved to take a space, especially in skateboarding. So, what I like to bring to this organization, particularly, is my own experience so that I can talk to teens about their own mental strife that they may be going through so that we can address that and that they feel safe and seen in that space"
Without inclusive environments, young skaters lose out on mentorship and the emotional support they need to thrive.
Damage to Skateboarding's Reputation and Growth
Exclusion doesn’t just harm individuals - it also tarnishes skateboarding’s image as a progressive and inclusive sport. Skateboarding has long been seen as a space that challenges traditional norms, but when it fails to welcome women and queer skaters, it undermines that reputation.
Ciara Wilson points out how online behavior reflects this issue:
"The jealousy, arrogance and blatant disrespect on Instagram towards women who skate just further proves the 'man's world' that skateboarding continues to be and isolates, alienates and discourages women and girls from getting into the sport"
This kind of hostility not only discourages new talent but also shapes how the broader public views skateboarding.
Corporate sponsorships also play a role in perpetuating exclusion. Many companies invest heavily in a narrow group of skaters, often overlooking diverse talent. Jonah Bayley from Vancouver Queer Skate highlights this disparity:
"If companies could put as much funding into encouraging diversity in skateboarding as they do into supporting every [cisgender heterosexual] white dude that's on their team, the world of skateboarding would look very different than it does now"
Media representation compounds the issue. For example, from 1981 to 2017, Thrasher magazine featured only one woman on its cover. This lack of visibility limits skateboarding’s appeal to a wider audience.
Alexa Berriochoa sums up the importance of inclusivity:
"Everyone should have the opportunity to explore the outlets that help them make their life more tolerable. And this is one of those"
When skateboarding fails to embrace everyone, it not only misses out on new talent but also holds back its own growth and creative potential.
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Solutions for Better Inclusion
Efforts to address the challenges faced by women and queer skaters are gaining traction through a mix of grassroots initiatives and shifts within the skateboarding industry. These solutions aim to create a more inclusive environment, transforming skateboarding into a space where everyone feels welcome.
Community-Led Programs
Local organizations are stepping up to create safe and supportive spaces for women and queer skaters. A standout example is Exposure Skate, founded in 2012 in California. Originally an annual competition, it has grown into a year-round initiative supporting women, girls, trans, and nonbinary skaters. Programs like Skate Rising combine free lessons with mindfulness and community service, while Sesh(E) offers mentoring for older skaters in exchange for donations to domestic violence shelters.
This approach has inspired similar movements across the country. In Denver, Girls Skate Denver, led by MSU Denver alumna Mary Sullivan since 2019, has expanded its reach to empower women and queer skaters of all ages. Sullivan shares:
"Women and queer skateboarding is one of the last true rebellions. We embody the ethos of the sport. There aren't supposed to be rules or hierarchy - that was never what skateboarding was about."
Another example is Queer Skate Denver, founded by Charli Alexander, who reflects on the impact of inclusive programs:
"Skate parks have always been 'for the boys.' The second I stepped into my first class with Girls Skate Denver, Mary immediately felt like she'd become a best buddy and had my back."
Efforts like these aren’t limited to Denver. Programs such as Tigers Skate Club in Edmonton and Queer Skate Toronto show how these grassroots models can be adapted to different communities. Together, they pave the way for broader changes across the skateboarding world.
Industry Changes and Accountability
While community-driven programs are crucial, changes within the skateboarding industry itself are equally important. Major brands like Vans, Nike SB, and Thrasher are now highlighting LGBTQ+ skaters in their campaigns and supporting inclusive initiatives. Companies like Element, Bamboo Skateboards, and Globe are also making strides by using sustainable materials for boards, while footwear brands such as Etnies and Adidas Skateboarding are incorporating recycled materials and eco-friendly dyes into their products.
Beyond sustainability, there’s a growing recognition of humanitarian efforts within skateboarding. Industry leaders and skaters, including Ishod Wair, Terry Kennedy, and Na-Kel Smith, are using their platforms to address social issues, particularly those affecting people of color. Additionally, initiatives like the Skatepark Project are collaborating with city planners to bring skate parks to under-resourced communities, ensuring access for all.
How Carbonated Thoughts Supports Inclusion
Reflecting these inclusive efforts, Carbonated Thoughts is redefining what a skateboarding business can be. By blending art, commerce, and community, the platform promotes inclusion while maintaining a focus on sustainability. It offers skateboards, streetwear, creative services, and consulting, all with a commitment to social and environmental causes.
For every skateboard sold, Carbonated Thoughts plants a tree, combining its business model with environmental action. By providing accessible resources and gear, it helps women and queer skaters break through the barriers that have long existed in the industry.
Comparing Different Inclusion Approaches
This section dives into two key approaches to promoting inclusion in skateboarding: grassroots programs and industry-led initiatives. Both methods aim to break down barriers for women and queer skaters, but they tackle the challenge from different angles. By comparing their strengths and limitations, we can better understand how these approaches might complement each other.
Programs like Skate Like a Girl's Skateboarding Inclusivity Cooperative (S.I.C.) showcase the power of community-driven efforts. For instance, in 2025, this leadership program supported twelve leaders across six organizations in North America. These initiatives are rooted in over 25 years of community experience, fostering deep connections and mentorship.
On the other hand, industry-led efforts focus on visibility and shifting cultural perceptions through marketing campaigns and brand collaborations. Major skateboarding brands have started spotlighting LGBTQ+ skaters, using their platforms to normalize inclusion on a global scale.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Each approach comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here's a closer look:
| Aspect | Grassroots Programs | Industry-Led Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Reach & Scale | Local focus, creating deep, lasting connections | Broad global reach through campaigns and social media |
| Authenticity | High – led by those with firsthand experience | Can vary – risks being seen as performative |
| Sustainability | Faces funding hurdles but builds strong volunteer bases | Well-funded but often influenced by market trends |
| Community Impact | Provides safe spaces, mentorship, and skill-building | Boosts visibility and mainstream acceptance |
| Speed of Change | Slower but fosters enduring cultural shifts | Quick visibility gains but may lack depth |
| Addressing Harassment | Creates controlled, supportive environments | Raises awareness but doesn’t always address incidents |
The most effective inclusion efforts often combine these approaches. A great example of this synergy is Skateistan's partnership with Seven Hills in Jordan. Together, they launched the "Skate Bus" program, transforming unused spaces into community hubs. These hubs serve a diverse mix of participants, including Jordanian children as well as Palestinian, Syrian, Somali, Yemeni, and Sudanese youth. Mohammed Zakaria, Co-Founder of Seven Hills, reflects on the impact:
"We see an astonishing diversity in our sessions, local children from Jordan, playing alongside Palestinians, Syrians, and those from many other backgrounds we didn't even know were present in our country: Somali, Yemeni, Sudanese. This has resulted in an incredibly strong, ever-growing community."
However, challenges can arise when grassroots values clash with corporate strategies. Industry efforts may sometimes feel exploitative if they fail to align with the authentic goals of community programs. Clear communication and mutual accountability are essential to overcoming these tensions. Zakaria underscores this point:
"If you are not facing an issue, that is in itself an issue. There are always challenges, big ones, small ones, new ones, old ones. If you aren't experiencing these, you're either ignoring them or you're doing something ineffective. You want to be consistently learning, adapting, and moving forward."
The impact of blending these approaches is evident in Skateistan's data, which shows that 56% of their participants are girls. This success highlights the value of uniting grassroots insight with the resources and reach of larger organizations.
Both grassroots programs and industry-led initiatives are essential for creating lasting change in skateboarding culture. While grassroots efforts build authentic connections and safe spaces, industry initiatives amplify visibility and acceptance. Together, they can break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive skateboarding community.
Conclusion: Moving Forward Together
Breaking down barriers for women and queer skaters isn't just about creating a level playing field - it's about unlocking skateboarding's true potential. With 85 million participants worldwide, skateboarding holds immense promise. Yet, representation remains a challenge. For instance, since 1981, Thrasher magazine - a publication with a circulation of 100,000 - has only featured one woman on its cover.
The way forward demands a blend of grassroots passion and industry support. Jeffrey Cheung, founder of Unity Skateboarding, envisions a project that transcends labels and fosters inclusivity:
"Unity Skateboards will be for queer youth and queer people out there: an encouraging and positive force. I am hoping that by being an all-inclusive project, it could be a bigger idea than a gay skate company - and that we can break down barriers together."
This spirit of collaboration is already bearing fruit. Take Rising Leaders Skate Club in Camden, NJ, for example. Founded by Brant Beaupre in 2018, the organization offers weekly skate lessons and engages with the local community to create lasting change. Similarly, Cindy Whitehead’s "Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word" initiative demonstrates how grassroots efforts can push for gender equity on a larger scale.
These efforts show how skateboarding can naturally evolve into a more inclusive space. True inclusion benefits everyone. With 75% of skateboarders under 18 and 65% mentored by older skaters, the community's supportive nature directly influences the next generation. J. Nyla McNeill, a 2019 ambassador for Black Girls Skate, highlights the beauty of this dynamic:
"As a nonbinary adult, it's so fulfilling to see kids that are like non-gender conforming come up and say 'Oh you're like me', that is really beautiful. It just all happens very naturally."
Skateboarding has a history of pushing boundaries. Chuck Treece, the first Black skateboarder to grace the cover of Thrasher in 1984, sums it up perfectly:
"We're going to have to re-educate to ourselves that skateboarding is a place where you can be understood as you and that's the cool thing about it is that skateboarding didn't wait for the world to change, we kind of changed that ourselves."
The next step is clear: support inclusive initiatives and create more welcoming spaces. Maggie Bowen from Aunt Skatie emphasizes the importance of community: "For women and queer people, it's easier if you skate as a group." Building these supportive environments is crucial.
The future of skateboarding lies in collective action. Grassroots organizers and industry leaders must work together to amplify authentic voices and foster safe spaces. By doing so, skateboarding can continue to be what it has always been at its best - a place where anyone can show up, express themselves, and feel like they belong.
FAQs
How can skateboarding brands create a more inclusive environment for women and queer skaters?
Skateboarding brands have the power to make the sport more inclusive by creating safe, welcoming environments for women and queer skaters. This can be achieved by supporting programs and organizations that focus on diversity and representation - think community events or workshops specifically designed for underrepresented groups.
Brands can also take meaningful steps by promoting diversity in sponsorship deals, marketing campaigns, and leadership positions. Organizing events that highlight women and queer skaters, sharing their stories, or collaborating on projects can break down stereotypes and foster a sense of belonging. These efforts not only challenge outdated norms but also help skateboarding grow into a space where everyone’s creativity and individuality can shine.
How do programs like Girls Skate Denver and Queer Skate Toronto create safer spaces for women and LGBTQIA+ skaters?
Programs like Girls Skate Denver and Queer Skate Toronto are making a big impact by creating spaces where women and LGBTQIA+ skaters feel welcome and supported. These initiatives challenge outdated gender norms in skateboarding, promoting diversity and encouraging marginalized skaters to find confidence and a sense of belonging within the community.
Beyond just offering safe spaces, these programs emphasize leadership development, mentorship, and building strong community ties. By focusing on inclusion and empowerment, they’re shaping a skateboarding culture that’s more welcoming and fair for everyone.
How does media representation impact the inclusion of women and queer skaters in skateboarding?
Media representation holds a powerful influence in shaping skateboarding culture, especially when it comes to how women and queer skaters are seen and included. For a long time, mainstream skate media largely ignored these groups, perpetuating stereotypes and discouraging their participation. But as more media outlets begin to highlight their stories and achievements, it’s helping to create safer spaces, challenge outdated biases, and encourage a broader range of people to join the skateboarding community.
By sharing honest and positive portrayals, media can help tear down barriers and promote acceptance. This shift not only inspires more diversity but also helps build a skateboarding culture where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.