Photo Gallery: Sticky, Sweaty Dyke Jello Wrestling for a Cause

When you think back to No Kings day on Saturday, what may come to mind are images of the streets lined with people protesting. However, for those present at The Pearl, there was another reason to gather: Dyke Jello Wrestling. 

Many things can be true at once, and there is a lane for every battle that our communities are fighting for. Like this Dyke Wrestling Pride Event that Bambi Ballgag hosted which directly benefited Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition … as well as those we were there for their competitive or viewing pleasure. A win-win. 

“I chose to help fundraise for the CIRC because I had known a few other organizers that had worked with them before and knew they did amazing work to protect our undocumented neighbors. Denver has obviously not gone untouched by ICE and other terrorist organizations, and it’s important for the community to pool every resource it can to protect communities that are in immediate danger.”

The event had two parts, a theatrical, WWE-styl wrestling performance and an actual competitive wrestling tournament based on weight class. Both events were held in a blow up pool filled with sticky red jello. The music was on point as viewers cheered and the participants wrestled around for glory. 

“I had expected a pretty good turnout, as the poster had gained traction quickly, but I never expected to see the whole room shoulder to shoulder! Hearing the continuous screams and cheers was so fulfilling and seeing the grins on everyone’s faces easily made it the best event I’ve ever organized.”

“I think there’s a lot of repetition in Denver when it comes to events, so I can’t take credit for the wrestling idea. There was a smaller Denver collective that had put together a lesbian spaghetti wrestling event a year back, which was as iconic as it sounds. I had known of a collective in Buffalo that threw together a Dyke Mud Wrestling and decided to throw my idea in the ring and Jello seemed easier to clean than mud or spaghetti (it was not).”

It is inspiring to see the creative ways that the community chooses to show up and show out for their communities and their neighbors. In a time when it can feel isolating and the world is on fire, know that Denver is home to people who see a need, take action, and invite others to step up (or in this case, step into the pool filled with jello) and join them. 

Photos by Becky Duffyhill. Follow her on Instagram @beckyduffyhill.creative. See more of her work here!