Editor’s Note: This is the sixth installment of Spectrum South’s eight-part original Talk Derby to Me series. Roll by each month to meet a new queer Houston Roller Derby skater, coach, or super fan!
By MLe McWilliams
When Houston Roller Derby Valkyries blocker Jessica Julien, aka 2xForce, rolls onto the skate track, everything melts away and the competition of the game begins. “For me, roller derby is an addiction,” she says. “I love competition, which is why I have been with the team for nine seasons and have been captain of our travel team for the past three years.”
Julien’s passion for derby runs deep, and the sport has been a guiding force in her life. As we sip beers in the back of a Montrose bar on a hot Friday evening, she opens up about her journey with love, growth, and experiences on and off the track.
Where are you from and how do you identify?
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2006, I packed up my belongings and moved to Houston for a fresh start. During this time, I began to question my sexuality and who I was. After falling in love with a woman, I realized that I was a lesbian. A few years later, I met my wife, Sydney, through one of my teammates and we got married last March!
How did you first get involved with roller derby?
When I was in college in Arizona, I was interested in derby, but it wasn’t until I moved to Houston that I saw my first bout. After that, I immediately signed up.
Roller derby is known for being a female-empowering and queer-inclusive sport. Has that been your experience?
Absolutely! I don’t know of any other sport that is accepting of all types of people. You can be anyone and people in derby will support you and help you grow.
How would you describe your identity journey up to this point?
Traveling to a new city at age 22 was difficult for me, but it forced me to become the person I am today. When I first moved to Houston almost 10 years ago, I was trying to figure out who I was. It was after joining derby that I began to understand myself and my identity as a queer woman. It was my roller derby teammates who supported me on my journey. Joining derby helped to bring out the best person in me.
What about derby keeps you coming back?
I love everything derby encompasses—competition, friendship, teamwork, traveling, and exercise. Being part of a team and having ownership and pride in what you do is important to me. My favorite part of derby, besides the competition, is traveling. I have been captain on the travel team for the past three years.
What are your interests outside of roller derby?
I am really into crafting and hiking—I would like to start a lesbian hiking blog with Terri Chen, aka AcuPunchHer, one of my good friends in roller derby. Also, with derby and having a full–time job, I like to relax after work with my wife.
Do you have any advice for those considering getting into roller derby?
I highly recommend it to anyone! I believe it helps to bring out the best person in you, but you have to commit 100 percent. Many people don’t understand how intense the sport is and how much time you need to give to derby, but I truly believe that whatever you give to the sport, you get back. If you want to join to make friends, join a sports team for the exercise, or to learn something new, you can with derby. If you’re passionate about it and have the time to commit, come out and join us!
Houston Roller Derby’s Pride month bout is Saturday, June 16, at Revention Music Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bouts start at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information available at houstonrollerderby.com.
