Over the rainbow

For the past 23 years, Moonlight Rollerway has opened its doors every week for “Rainbow Skate,” a skating event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities of the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond.

Although this once-a-week occasion has been kept under wraps, it has tripled in size since its inception, relying solely on word-of-mouth referrals and community organizing. Now, with the advent of social media and resurging skating trend, “Rainbow Skate” has blossomed into a fun, sober and comfortable environment that attracts 80 to 100 skaters who can be themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation.

The idea was initiated by an AIDS organization that had rented the rink for a fundraising night. Dominic Cangelosi a Burbank resident and rink owner since 1985, was aware of possible community backlash by creating “Rainbow Skate.”

“At that time, I didn’t know what the reaction would be, whether the community would be supportive to the night,” he said.

But the backlash never came.

In fact, the 2 1/2 -hour event was met with overwhelming support and a loyal fan base that tried to rally participants even when crowds became dismal for a few years.

Frank Fialkoff, who skates at the rink six nights a week, attended the first gay night with six other skaters. A retired and disabled veteran who is well known by Rollerway employees and skaters alike, Fialkoff said he’d skate at the rink as long as his body allows him to, adding that when people ask him what happens on Wednesday nights, he tells them “That’s where birds of a feather flock together.”

Fialkoff, who has had three open-heart surgeries and will celebrate his 60th birthday next year, isn’t alone in his long-standing record of attendance.

A “Rainbow Skate” participant for 20 years, Richard Davis drives from Cerritos to show off his skating skills and see old friends. Davis has seen the skating trend fluctuate from year to year, but thinks it’s making a comeback.

“Back in the ’80s, gay men and women used to have a lot of functions, rather than just going to a bar,” he said. “There were so many activities, all different kinds of things to do, but we’re trying to get this going again. You can come here to see your friends again and show off a little.”

Rollerway employee William Kaufmann, who lives in Glendale, has been working at the rink since 1989 and has seen skating hit a slump every few years, but believes the renewed interest in sports like roller derby has resurfaced the trend once again. Kaufmann also commends Cangelosi for opening his doors to the LGBT community.

“Skating is skating whether you’re short, tall, gay or straight,” he said.

Although the rink’s endearing ambience is what attracts loyal customers, a perpetual love for skating is one of the core reasons so many people attend. This is certainly true for Paul Wintner, a hairstylist from West Hollywood who has been coming to skate on Wednesday nights for around three months.

“I used to roller skate a lot as a kid, and I hadn’t done it in a long time,” he said.

Wintner was so enthused about the event that he bought his own skates after he had participated in two “Rainbow Skate” nights. He’s also created a Facebook page for the Rainbow Skaters.

“Rainbow Skate” is also a platform for local organizations to hold fundraisers in conjunction with LGBT night. Alcoholics Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous as well as the Los Angeles Leather Coalition have hosted nights there.

Of course, the night isn’t just limited to attendance by the LGBT community. Over the years, straight men and women have flocked to the rink because of the fun and respectful atmosphere it offers.

Marissa Banuelos, who drove from Walnut to attend “Rainbow Skate,” not only feels an affinity for skating but for the LGBT community.

“I feel like it offers them a space where they feel like they can be comfortable,” she said. “This gives them that place. I think it’s wonderful, and that’s why I’m here.”

Owner Cangelosi, who prides himself on listening to customers, agrees.

“My rink offers something for everyone in the community,” Cangelosi said. “I took a chance because none of the other rinks were doing this. They like the atmosphere, and we’ve been courteous to them, so they enjoy coming.”