Above: Pink Slamingo (Kaylee Ackroyd) and Buzzy Bee-arch (Michelle McConnell) hand over the cheque to Marissa from Q-topia Christchurch Otautahi Roller Derby League has raised more than $3,500 for Christchurch queer youth group Q-Topia from a ‘Rainbow Spite’ bout on February. Featuring ‘Team Gaga’ and ‘Team Glee’, the teams were made up of local skaters and special guest skaters from across New Zealand and Australia. A crowd of around 800 people watched the bout, as well as half-time entertainment that featured a tricycle race and Indiana Jane’s amazing skills with whips. Team Glee took the win, scoring 201 to Team Gaga’s 107. League co-chair Michelle McConnell, aka Buzzy Bee-Arch, said that although it was great to be on the winning team, roller derby and Q-topia were truly the winners on the day. "We were stoked that Otautahi Roller's first home bout was such a huge success. And we were proud to donate the profits from it to a great cause like Q-topia, as well as have the chance to raise the profile of Q-topia and ORDL." Q-topia administrator Anne Nicholson says the group provides queer and transgender young people with a safe and enjoyable space to safely explore issues and make friends. “The not for profit trust offers two types of social support group (Q-topia and Forge) that affirm and appreciate the diverse qualities of participants,” she says.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 31st May 2012 - 3:09pm