Recently, I have been feeling like dancing to queer bops ’til I pass out. Obviously, I don’t dance like Gaga but it’s not about looking like a queen, it’s about the energy. Thankfully, this week has been a whirlwind of queer trans energy and I couldn’t be more grateful. So today, April 9th, on Big Gay News™ for Skateism, I am overjoyed to share all the incredible things queer trans skaters did this week, to remind you that we’re here, we’re queer.
Words by Emanuele Barbier
The first mention goes to James Pitonyak who turned pro for There Skateboards this week. With two gorgeous graphics, from Alex S. and Jeffrey Cheung, James is officially the first pro for There. If you’re thinking about who will be next, don’t think any longer, every single person on There is pro. Pitonyak with their quick feet and clean and consistent style is only one of the many gnarly skaters making up There.
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If you haven’t already, I invite you to watch the There Euro trip edit that dropped today. Pitonyak was part of the crew that went to tour Europe at the beginning of this year. The video was filmed across Milan, Paris and Barcelona and features animation from Cheung. The editor and filmer, Leo Bañuelos has made a video that flows very well smoothly, with nice transitions and dope soundtracks. There is a lot of great things to say about the edit. Yet, the most striking is when you realize each person involved in this project is queer in one way or another. That in itself feels immensely empowering for any queer trans skater watching.
Pitonyak wasn’t the only one with an “official” news this week. Marbie is now part of the Krux family and did it in classic Marbie fashion. The skit filmed to welcome her to Krux is hilarious and makes me miss gossiping about crushes with my friends. I also suggest you head over to CCS to read Bañuelos’ interview of Marbie. It’s seriously gay and seriously good!
You’re still on Big Gay News™ and if you think that’s already a lot of queerness, brace yourself there is more to come. End of last week, Reina Choto released a short edit titled “For Your Pleasure”. The video is a feast for the eye combining Choto’s unique aesthetics, nice skateboarding and intimate questions that reveal the reality of being queer today. On Thursday, Choto and their partner Dana Jeck took part in the Skate Like a Girl The Wheel World show to chat art, skateboarding and San Francisco. That Instagram live was excessively cute, it could have melted the coldest hearts. Prepare yourself because Choto is cooking up another project and Skate Like a Girl will make an announcement on W.O.F soon.
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A special mention goes to the incredible ally and community mentor Kristin Ebeling. Not only does Ebeling host the enriching Wheel World lives but she also took home first place in 35thNorth’s skate-at-home challenge this week. There has yet someone to step-up and grind a curb in white crocs while watering plants like she does.
In other noticeable news for this week, Maria Lima interviewed Jaime Reyes for Ten Trax. Reyes’ playlist will give you great vibes to start your day, personally, I have been eating my kiwis and bopping my head to it every morning. You may also want to read the interview to catch of glimpse of the iconic skater.
Last but not least, today was also the drop of Mariah Duran and Jenn Soto‘s new Adidas superstar shoes. The two friends came up with gorgeous shoes that reflect, quite literally, their respective home states and personality. Check out this post from Adidas to learn more about it.
Thanks for tuning in Big Gay News™!
Feature illustration by Jeffrey Cheung.
