"Love is the only way and we are all love. Humans all have hearts that beat and lungs that breathe and blood that pumps through our veins."

You’ll know, by now, the imbroglio surrounding the Mexi Log Fest, a much-loved longboard event that has been getting heat from trans-activists after the contest organiser included the rule, “There are only two divisions: natural born women and natural men.”

Like I always say, don’t upset the trannies, they ain’t got the humour they used to.

(Contest organiser Izzy Preciado was slammed, first, by Fringe Surfers New England, which was quickly followed by Surf Equity, whom you’ve read about here, here, here, here and here. )

Following the heat, Sponsors Oatly and Hydrophile Surfcraft pulled out of the event and, now, the festival’s head judge, Erin Meza-Ashley (aka worm), pronouns she/they, has quit, explaining her decision on Instagram thus: 

Please bare with me It has always been a point of pride that one of the driving principals of @mexilogfest has been able to provide a platform for all the talent in the world that cannot be contained by 16 person invitational. @mexilogfest has also strived to create an event that enhances the community by creating an environment for people to make deep seeded friendships with others from across the world as well as being the first longboard contest to see the value of men and women as equal and proving it by providing equal prize purses for all. 

It has been my great privilege to be a part of the judging family and specifically Head Judge at last years event where i got to see some of the best surfing i have ever seen in real life from both the women’s and mens division. In light of statements made by The @mexilogfest on how they are going to discriminate against what is an already marginalized group; it is with regret that i have to resign my position as a judge for The Mexilogfest. 

Our actions and words in and out of the water have the ability to limit other peoples possibility to reach their full potential; furthermore hatred develops from words, prejudice through exclusion, and escalating violence towards those that word aim to dehumanize. 

The talent pool around the world has been growing exponentially over the past few years and i really hope it continues to do so. It is also my great hope that the community grows with open hearts and welcoming arms for all of our brothers and sisters who love the ocean as much as i know we all do. We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. I hope to see y’all in the ocean soon.

 

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A post shared by Erin Meza-Ashley (aka worm) (@wormtown)

Commentary below the navel is interesting, with cameos by Lucy Small a Sydney-based longboarder and surf feminist who rocketed to fame when she gave organisers of a longboard contest hell from the stage for paying the women half as much as the men, and former Channel Islands frontman and log wizard Devon Howard, who is far too slick to be straight, let’s be frank.

Kassia Howard, big-name logger and face of Roxy, summed up the mood of the less militant.

“Love is the only way and we are all love. Humans all have hearts that beat and lungs that breathe and blood that pumps through our veins.”

Meanwhile, in Rio, BeachGrit’s fav crossover gal Eddie Rodrigues tries out her new equipment!

You go T-Girl!

 

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A post shared by Eduarda Rodrigues 🧚🏼‍♀️ (@dudardrgs)

"This rhetoric is rooted in the misogynistic idea that women are weaker, smaller require protection…"

A terrific storm hit Mexico several days ago when a much-loved longboard contest there was throttled by trans-activists after including the rule, “There are only two divisions: natural born women and natural men.”

Pretty silly to be so transparent for we live in an age of confected danger and outrage. Most people know to pull their heads in when it comes to dudes with dickies and the slightly rarer jock pussy.

After a post appeared with the controversial rule, contest organiser Izzy Preciado was slammed, first, by Fringe Surfers New England, which was quickly followed by Surf Equity, whom you’ve read about here, here, here, here and here. 

In the hysteria that followed, sponsors were urged, with varying success, to pull out the Mex Log Fest or else would be seen to be “condoning the perpetuation of bigotry and hate.”

Oatly, a manufacturer of oat-based drinks whose charter reads “Everybody—regardless of spiritual beliefs, birth country, race, gender, sexual orientation, or color of their nail polish—is of equal worth” quickly threw their weight behind the boycott. 

“The bigotry mentioned in the screenshots is absolutely contrary to our values and our team has relayed this accordingly to the event founders,” the company wrote in a DM to Fringe Surfers New England. 

Hydrophile Surf Craft, maker of fins for longboards, singles, experimental craft etc, were similarly aghast.

“I wanted to take a moment to be sure I made it clear how I stand on trans rights, gender equality, and human rights in general. The targeted exclusion of trans athletes from @mexilogfest by @surfinmexico is not okay. There is no room for hate in surfing and I implore you to stand against it as well.” 

Someone calling ‘emselves @sats_ko lit up on a “cis bro supporting a cis bro who is the founder and event direct of “Bigot Fest” with a lengthy screed., 

“Trans women’s inclusion in surfing is a feminist issue and a human rights issue – and this vile exclusionary rhetoric harms ALL women. Obviously this is blatant transphobia – and he is not thinking/caring about the trans experience – but one thing that stands to me is: I imagine he thinks he is speaking in solidarity with cis women (?) – whereas, banning trans women hurts cis women too. 

“Because ppl come in all shapes and sizes – and this rhetoric is rooted in the misogynistic idea that women are weaker, smaller require protection etc. Would he prefer weight classes to make things ‘fairer’ amongst different sized ppl. No because it’s not really about that. 

“But what banning trans women does it put scrutiny on cis women who may be taller, more muscular, more masc/butch/androgynous. I hope this can start a dialogue  to unpick get ppl reflecting how these arguments are rooted in misogyny.” 

Powerful words although experience does tell me that, generally, women are weaker than men, although miles ahead when it comes to mind fucking, again, generally.

More importantly, take Eddie Rodrigues, below, a crossover gal.

Is the line blurring for you now?

 

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A post shared by Eduarda Rodrigues 🧚🏼‍♀️ (@dudardrgs)