Don’t get caught in their path—Look both ways before stepping onto the rink on Saturday, April 26, or the Bellingham Roller Betties might roll right through you!
Their “Lord of the Rinks” fundraiser at Whatcom Community College starts at 5:30 p.m. and may leave you spinning in circles as the jammers lap you.
Come for the derby, stay for the lore-worthy looks.
“We might have a skater that’s dressing up as Gollum and standing in the middle [of the rink] to be released and cause chaos,” hinted Sydney Piepereit, 26, or Trauma Queen as she’s known on the rink. “I’m very excited about that one.”
If the derby wasn’t wild enough, spectators will have the chance to pay to alter the rules in real time.
With the swipe of a card, patrons will be able to swap team scores, force players to dance and make other hilarious rule changes all while the skaters are dressed in their “Lord of the Rings” best.
Aside from the fun to be had, this upcoming fundraiser is a way to support an empowering and welcoming LGBTQIA+ space for many queer community members and allies.
At 21, skater Lee "Cockroach" Hendricks credits his start to a childhood spent rollerblading around his grandparents’ deck—his grandfather playing the role of emcee.
“At that point, I didn’t know what [roller derby] was,” Hendricks said. “But, immediately I was like, ‘So cool!’”
Their college search eventually brought them to Bellingham, where they simultaneously joined the Roller Betties Booty Camp and started experimenting with their gender identity.
“I had a community, finally, where I could just be myself and show up authentically,” Hendricks said. “It was honestly life-altering, and I’m incredibly thankful for my experience and for my teammates.”
Roller derby has historically been a radically inclusive sport, starting as co-ed in its 1935 inception. After its popularity waned in the 1970s, it was revived in the 2000s and sustained for the past 25 years, much to the credit of women and the queer community.
Now in their 17th season, the Roller Betties continue to provide a warm and welcoming space for those of all gender identities.
“There’s not that many third spaces anymore,” said 24-year-old Becca Shannon, also known as Wreck-It Rebecca, about public spaces in communities aside from home and work. “And especially, there are very few queer third spaces. So I think roller derby offers another place to be yourself, and be celebrated for who you are and have fun.”
Beginning with a regular bout between The Roller Betties’ teams F.L.A.S.H. and Tough Love, the fundraiser will then shift to what Shannon describes as a “hijinks bout.” A menu of rules, all “Lord of the Rings” themed, will be released to the crowd.
This money goes to support almost every aspect of the Roller Betties’ functionality, as they run off of donations and sponsorships from local businesses.
For more information, check out the Roller Betties’ Instagram.
“You’re supporting a bunch of people doing what they love,” Piepereit said. “And we can’t do it without people coming to watch us and support us.”
The Roller Betties wait on the sidelines at Lynden Skateway in Lynden, Wash., on March 29, 2025. Many skaters wear colorful clothing as personal style and flair are encouraged in roller derby. // Photo courtesy of Fielding Piepereit
The Roller Betties take on Gorge Roller Derby in The Dalles, Oreg., on March 15, 2025. The star on the skater’s helmet signifies their role as a jammer, the player who scores the points. // Photo courtesy of Scott Butner
Jae Ranney (they/them) is a second-year journalism major and city news reporter for The Front this quarter, having previously worked in campus news. When they're not chasing a lede or hounding you for a quote, they enjoy playing guitar, banjo, and drumming in a few local bands. You can reach them at jaeranney.thefront@gmail.com.
