Michaela-Františka Kárná
For over a decade, the Copenhagen Parkour Gathering has focused on creating space for women, non-binary, and trans participants. As the event nears its 13th anniversary in May, it is set to welcome all genders for the first time. This is a distinct change from previous years.
Kirstine Rasmussen, a 29-year-old parkourist and a member of Parkour Womxn, the organizing body behind the event, explained the choice to include men in a space designed for women and non-binary people simply.
“We think it’s important we have these spaces. It’s kind of a political statement. But it’s also important we don’t close them off and never branch out. So this year, we want to have the whole weekend for women and non-binary people, but on one day we will also have an open slot where we invite our male friends to come and join us for a jam,” she said.
‘The City is Our Playground’
Parkour is still a fairly niche sport and is primarily male-dominated, especially on social media or in training videos on YouTube. That is one of the reasons why the gender-exclusive parkour club was founded.
“When you’re new at something it might be easier to learn from someone who moves like you, has the same body or relates to you beyond just movement,” explained Kirsten.
The difference in bodies and practices can be an inspiration too. “The city is our playground. We would like to show the guys that this is how and why we’re doing it and have a broader community space,” she concluded.
With these developments, CPG 2024 not only looks to challenge physical boundaries but also to expand its community.