LIBERTY GIRLS NYC
Front to back
Melody Olivera (she/they) | Bronx | Puerto Rico
Ariel Velez (she/they) | Lower Eastside | Puerto Rico
Karen Sepulveda (she/her) | Bronx | Dominican Republic
Founders of Liberty Girls NYC
Liberty Girls NYC is a collective of queer native Afro-Latina rollerskaters from NYC—the only group of its kind. We initially met through the roller skating community, attending many of the same community-led events, and bonded over our shared passions & values. We officially formed the group in 2023, after traveling together to both national and international skate parties. In addition to being a rollerskating crew, our mission is to leave a positive impact on our community. We aspire to uplift marginalized people through movement, creativity, and activism, ensuring that rollerskating remains a force for change on and off the rink.
Before New York City gained its first roller arts center in Bushwick - Xanadu - we noticed a huge lack in safe spaces for queer roller skaters across NYC/NJ. We decided to host our very first Queer Skate Night in February of 2023 in collaboration with a local queer organization. Since then, we have continued to host various events that serve our underrepresented communities.
Roller skating is more than a sport—it fosters self-expression, resilience, and empowerment while creating safe spaces for all identities. As a queer, Latina-led group, we provide much-needed representation in a male-dominated space, embracing diverse styles, backgrounds, and passions. In the future, we plan to expand the crew to help support our mission.
What does a great day in Ñiu Yor look like to you?
A great day in New York City is waking up to a beautiful, crisp weather day, the sun is shining on my face, having the bus and train pull up right when you get there, hearing music blasting on the streets from cars, the hydrant is open, and kids are having fun in the street. There’s a faint sound of an ice cream truck in the distance, seeing my Puerto Rican flag hanging proudly in apartment windows next to a beautifully painted mural on the side of the building. I’m meeting up with my friends to skate outside, where we forget all about our worries for a few hours as we roll together in harmony — Melody
A fabulous New York City summertime day would be to work out in the morning, go to Prospect Park to tan, listen to jazz music, paint, and read. Then I would either make a delicious, drool-worthy homemade vegan meal for my loved ones or eat at one of my favorite vegan restaurants with them. Then go skating, of course! — Ariel
A great day in New York City looks like driving down to Brighton Beach or Coney Island on a summer day, with my scruffy rescue Chihuahua mix, Ginger, and my friends. Lying out in the sun and with the occasional dip into the cold water. Rollerskating along the boardwalk down to Nathan‘s to get a corn dog, which they don’t sell anymore, sadly. Then skating down to the pier to watch the sunset while listening to my favorite R&B playlist. — Karen
Photographed & Interviewed by Monica Patten
