The crowning of the “Queen of the Park,” a women’s skateboarding competition in Philadelphia, gets underway. At first glance, this gothic-meets-grunge vibe can seem intimidating as you walk into a cement wonderland with harsh graffiti and loud tattoos. Thrasher music on the speaker and the swooshing of skateboards gracing this underground, i-95 side piece, make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate dimension, especially when you’ve just driven past little league games and family picnics, sprinkled across FDR park.

I quickly realized however, that this community should not be judged by its cover. I felt immediately welcomed by skaters and spectators alike. Even in their space, with my big camera and dorky outfit, people were smiling, waving and even asking me questions. The female competitors were cheering for and encouraging each other as were their male counterparts, and young women were also encouraged to show off their skills. Overall, this was a unique and welcoming event.