Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Richardson-Reitman.
Max Richardson-Reitman
Hi Max, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Max; my pronouns are they/them. I’m 29 and originally from San Antonio, TX. I spent the better part of a decade in NYC for college and most of my 20s, during which I explored the boroughs via longboard, even skating in two Broadway Bombs, an annual 8-mile longboarding race through Manhattan. I love longboarding, but thanks to early influences such as Rocket Power and Tony Hawk Pro Skater, I’d always dreamt of skating in skateparks, learning tricks and skating ramps. Unfortunately, the thought of trying to learn in crowded male-dominated skateparks as a visibly queer person deterred me from ever seeing this dream through. However, in 2021, I started noticing several queer organized skate groups popping up in the New York area, offering safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to skate together, but I never got a chance to go to one.
In January of 2022, I moved to Austin from NYC with my wife as newlyweds. We quickly discovered and joined many vibrant communities that eagerly held space for art, connection, and more. I searched online to find a similar local queer skate group or meetup that I could join but to no avail. Feeling encouraged by such an energized, community-focused spirit in Austin, I grabbed the Instagram handle @QueerSkateAustin, designed a logo, posted a flier, and showed up at House Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon in July of 2022 with a cooler, some old gaming speakers, and a progress rainbow pride flag. I chalked the pavement to announce the event, taped the flag to a pillar (my only option at the time), and began blasting a custom Queer Skateboarding playlist. Queer Skate Austin was in session. And no one showed up to that first one. But! It was crazy liberating to face my fear of being queer in a skatepark. I proclaimed my queerness proudly and claimed space for my community. I went back to the gram, promoting the next one. I established my intention for Queer Skate Austin to be a reliable, weekly safe space for LGBTQ+ people, and ultimately any non-traditional skater (i.e., cis het male) to skate together, to support one another. Weekly and reliable was essential. I wanted it to be there when folks went looking for us. So, I showed up with the same set up every Sunday and slowly but surely, folks trickled in, learning about the session on Instagram or seeing the leftover chalk. The joyful energy of queer folks skating together is electrifying. The sesh became known for its good vibes, even garnering appreciation from the regular cis-het dudes who were grateful for the park’s positive energy. Within a handful of weeks, QSA was making an impact and attracting regulars. With consent, I filmed, edited, and shared clips of queer folks skating, tackling ramps, nailing tricks, and cheering each other on. Visibility has been so important in my life, so I knew I needed to share those visuals with folks who had the same fear as me, cause it’s hard to be what you can’t see. Folks expressed gratitude for the space, but attendance fluctuated until we pivoted to Mueller Skatepark, which boasts two high-quality pump tracks, restrooms, bright lights, and even outlets! The space felt much safer for our community. Attendance got a boost, regulars got involved in helping host, and our signature kickback vibe took root.
We welcome newcomers, support beginners, cheer on seasoned folks, and ensure any queer person can find us. We’re blasting whatever music we want, from pride anthems to femme bangers (love you, Meghan the Stallion). In July of 2023, we celebrated our first birthday with an epic summer pool party and got to bask in the glow of the beautiful community that has taken hold. It was a dream come true and everything I could ever hope for. I’ve met friends for life through Queer Skate Austin, and am so grateful I took a leap of faith, faced my fear, and kept showing up. In March of 2023, I had to relocate to the San Antonio area. Still, thanks to a fantastic group of dedicated folks who believe in this space’s mission and importance, the sesh is going strong and can be found at Mueller Park every Sunday. It takes a village, and I’m so grateful to these beautiful human beings for carrying the torch for our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s had its rocky moments. Staying consistent for a weekly meetup is a challenge, making sure I or another host could set up and hold space for our queer community every Sunday while also getting the word out and being consistent on IG. Ultimately, what stands out was the breaking point that resulted in the location change from House Park to Mueller Skatepark in January 2023. House Park doesn’t have the best reputation, particularly at night, when we have our sesh to avoid hot Texas days. One fateful Sunday, some rowdy middle schoolers were being obnoxious with fireworks, popping them off in the skatepark next to our setup. I asked them to take it out to the parking lot and there would be no issue. But then one particular troublemaker started lighting them and throwing them at us. I had to grab my board and knock one away from my wife, which nearly hit her in the face. Things got very tense, and we ultimately packed up and left, never to return. All in all, I’m grateful we made the move. Hosting at Mueller has been the best for the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Senior Motion Designer at Warner Bros. Discovery and have a background in video editing and graphic design. I am also a queer organizer in the corporate world as a chapter co-chair for the LGBTQ+ employee resource group at the company, similarly creating programming and community safe spaces for queer employees to come together and connect. Queer Skate Austin is a manifestation of many facets of myself coming together for something I believe in and want to see in the world. I am working on bringing to life another aligned dream of a nonbinary skate and streetwear brand called MXCHIEF.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I had a Rocket Power skateboard when I was young and loved skating around in front of my house. I think of those memories now with a more profound sense of self and use them to fuel the Queer Skate Austin dream.
Contact Info:
“I started coming through because I wanted to deepen my queer community and find more queer friends and learn something fun. I want others to feel safe and included wherever they are in their journey – skate journey or self discovery journey.” – Casey Mae Gaston (she/her)
Image Credits
Max Richardson-Rietman Camaron Esparza
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