Leo Baker on Carving out a Women-Friendly and Queer-Inclusive Space in Skateboarding
In our exclusive interview, the pro skateboarder also share their thoughts on the 2020 Olympics.
Leo Baker is a firm believer in skateboarding – not only for the joy and thrill it brings with each drop in and flip, but also how the sport serves as an ideal tool for creative expression. A hobby that they picked up by chance at the young age of two, skateboarding has been an integral if not definitive part of Baker’s life. From learning how to perfect a kickflip in their front yard every single day, to winning the SLS Super Crown World Championship in both 2016 and 2017, Baker’s passion for skateboarding has only become stronger throughout their long ride.
Now 26 years old, Baker have their eyes set on the Olympics. Slated to be held in Tokyo, Japan, the 2020 Summer Olympics will see some of the world’s best skateboarders competing against each other, with the sport being included as an official Olympic sport for the first time ever. While some in the skate community weren’t particularly enthusiastic about the announcement, Baker considers participating in the games as an opportunity to promote the need for equality.
Grace Rivera/HYPEBAE
Grace Rivera/HYPEBAE
As Nike SB‘s first openly queer skateboarder, Baker speaks candidly about the importance of female and queer representation in the oftentimes male-dominated sport:
“I definitely want to try to get there because it’s just important to represent the identity that I embody — to really make it somewhere as big as the Olympics, and to show that that’s possible. I would love to just carve out a bigger space for women who skate, and queer people who skate and gender non-conforming people… and just like, really open up that space for people like me, and people that understand what it’s like to experience life this way.”
In addition to their anticipation for the Olympics, the pro skateboarder also touches on the increasing crossover between fashion and skate culture these days. Watch our exclusive interview above to learn more about one of the most boundary-pushing figures in today’s skate scene.
Grace Rivera/HYPEBAE
Grace Rivera/HYPEBAE
