Claim the Spot. Skateboarding, öffentlicher Raum und Empowerment

Anna Groß, Katharina Geling, Velten Schäfer

Skateboarding is more than a sport: it is a subculture, a DIY practice, and a form of community. What began as a male-dominated counterculture is increasingly being shaped by FLINTA* and queer communities, who are creating their own spaces and redefining skateboarding as a practice of empowerment, participation, and solidarity.

In this context, this talk explores how skateboarding has evolved and the role that community and self-organisation play in that transformation. What perspectives do FLINTA* and queer skaters bring to a scene long dominated by men? How are spaces created where different experiences and identities can be seen and celebrated, and what role do networks and mutual support play in building a more diverse skate culture?

The discussion also considers the importance of public space as a site of social participation. How can skateboarding help challenge existing structures and make empowerment practically felt? Together, the panel discuss how skateboarding moves between sport, culture, and activism – and the potential this intersection holds for creating a more open society.

Anna Groß is Co-Director of the Berlin-based record label Springstoff and co-organiser of the international FLINTA* skateboarding contest »Suck My Trucks«. For many years, she has been actively committed to promoting diversity and empowerment within music and youth culture.

Katharina Geling is a photographer and cultural scholar. Her artistic and academic work focuses on subcultures, DIY culture and their exploration through photography and cultural analysis.

Velten Schäfer is a journalist and author. He writes about politics, culture and society, and is the author of »Dogtown« and »X-Games«, two widely acclaimed books on the cultural history of skateboarding.