[PHOTOS] Skaters Let the Good Times Roll at Cincinnati’s Pride Roll Out

Cincinnati Skate Collective held its fifth-annual Pride Roll Out event at The Apex in Northside on Friday, June 20.

Cincinnati Skate Collective historically plays a large role in Cincinnati Pride year-round. The group organizes skating events throughout the year that bring the exact same community feel present at The Apex Friday.

“We just want to promote an area being a safe space and space for all, and obviously, being queer positive. I’m also a member of the LGBTQ community, so it’s important to me just to continue to create safe spaces for people,” said Gabrielle Larkin, founder of Cincinnati Skate Collective.

With two DJs, numerous local vendors and plenty of rollerskates, the evening was full of music, skating and a strong sense of community.

“It’s all about just creating connection points. It’s about building community spaces,” said Larkin.

That sentiment was felt in every aspect of the evening’s events. The DJs, vendors, organizers and skaters all brought the community to life.

DJ Boywife was the opening DJ for the evening, putting on a very lively performance. Illuminated by red light, DJ Nova took the after-dark shift, setting the mood along with the disco ball and a wide range of colorful lights.

A number of local vendors were selling their own items at the event, including Kandi by Kade; Super Heroines, Etc.; Pop Rocket Creations; and Amelie Simone Jewelry, among others.

All proceeds from the event went to local nonprofit Transform Cincy, an LGBTQ+ center in Cincinnati. Keep scrolling to see everything we saw at the annual Pride Roll Out.

Photos by Lucas Griffith