The Smithsonian Museum of American History has a new exhibit, We Belong Here” that highlights the 50th anniversary of Title IX which we feel is super important to know about.

“Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government”.

But Title IX hasn’t been as female-friendly in the sports world as people assumed it would be. While it did help in increasing the numbers of girls and women that played sports there are still many instances of racism, sexism, and bigotry.

In skateboarding, Title IX really hasn’t been active per se because skateboarding is not usually part of school programs that receive funding from the federal government. We have had to forge our own path, speak up, stand up and push for equality. We are getting there, but there is a lot of work to still be done.

We are excited to say that the new Smithsonian Museum of American History exhibit “We Belong Here” includes skateboarders Leo Baker as well as Cher Strauberry. Both of these skateboarders are great examples of non-traditional skateboarders carving a path that will lead to the inclusion of others, as we push forward with the reality that skateboarding is not a male-dominated sport, but is welcoming to everyone.

Finding Leo Baker in the exhibit:

At the right of the case is a larger-than-life cut-out photograph of Leo Baker, a transgender skateboarder who identifies as nonbinary and presents as masculine. They have closely cropped hair and are wearing a black t-shirt and jeans while performing a flip. To the right of the photo cut out is Baker’s white t-shirt that reads: They/Them. Above the photo is a splash of green and a quote by Baker who encourages other trans and nonbinary athlete to find ways to compete in sports traditionally defined by gender: “Your authenticity is your superpower.” A sketch at the lower right of the case shows a person holding a protest sign with hearts that reads: “Trans rights are human rights.”

Big thanks to Jane Rogers, curator at The Smithsonian Museum of American History’s Sports Collections for the images and info - Big congrats to Jane and crew on this amazing exhibit!