Derby Girls

Essay 481 • May 10th 2021

Growing up as a little girl, you’re taught to be small. Demure. Quiet. Not to take up space, not
to get in anybody’s way, and to always, always be polite. But not in roller derby.

In many ways, female socialization is a prison. We grow up starving ourselves to be as small
as possible. We apologize for mistakes we haven’t made. We lower our voices and keep our
contributions to ourselves for fear of being called shrill or bitchy or bossy - words that only
apply to women.

But then... Some of us are lucky enough to grow up and find roller derby. Regardless of our
backgrounds, roller derby accepts us. It tells us that whoever we are, we have value. It
teaches us to work together, to (literally) lean on each other because we’ll all benefit as a
result.

Most importantly, roller derby encourages us to get loud. It tells us the more space we take
up, the better. It teaches us that our bodies can contribute something important no matter
what they look like. Finally, we get to feel the freedom of being able to use our voices and our
strength and our power, a freedom we’ve been denied our whole lives.
-Daisy Rogozinsky




















 

Oz Barak is a Tel Aviv based photographer. Inspired by people and nature, looking to empower vulnerability and imperfections through intimate and colourful portraits both in his personal and commercial work.

Completed photography studies in Florence, Italy and in Tel Aviv, and participated in several group and solo exhibitions.
Now exhibiting his project ‘Core’ in a group exhibition at Indie Photography Group gallery, Tel Aviv.
Website | Instagram

Roller Derby Girls: Instagram