About the Riveters
Join me on an exploration of the Rose City Riveters, the folk group of soccer supporters of the Portland Thorns, a National Women’s Soccer League team from Portland, Oregon. We will explore the Riveters’ history and traditions, including use of TIFO, chanting and singing, and drumming. We will also discuss how the Riveters have become a safe place for women who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and discuss their history of activism, particularly in support of women players, with emphasis on their response to the 2021 coaching abuse scandal that rocked the league and the Thorns in particular, leading to the permanent banning of four league coaches, including a former Thorns coach.
How it all Began:
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In 2012, the National Women’s Soccer League announced that Portland would be one of the inaugural teams in this brand-new league. The team was named the Thorns, paying homage to Portland’s title as the Rose City.
In early 2013, a supporter group started to take shape. This group – your Rose City Riveters - was founded by members of the Timbers Army, the supporter group for the MLS Portland Timbers.
In the early days, the group was very much like the Timbers Army, following their lead with game day activities. Before too long, however, it became obvious that the women’s game was different, faced different challenges, and required a different supporter group culture.
The Riveters realized that women athletes and their fans faced a myriad of challenges, including unequal pay and support, fewer televised games, and scarce availability of team merch for fans to purchase. More troubling was the abuse, misogyny, racism, and homophobia that too many athletes were dealing with.
The Riveters had a platform – their game day presence. They chose to use that platform to shine a light on these problems and support not only their team, but all women athletes. They did this through TIFO, posters, and game day chants, all of which exposed the inequity and unequal treatment they were witnessing. In doing so, their community grew larger and more cohesive.
The Riveters also wanted to create a place of belonging for members of the Queer community in Portland and beyond. When you go to a Thorns game, you will immediately see what an inclusive and welcoming place Providence Park is. This is in large part thanks to the Riveters, who, from day one, welcome all to share in the game day experience. The only requirement is that you love women’s sports! (Henderson)
What Does it Mean to be a Riveter?
Rose City Riveters enjoy a unique game day experience, sitting in a designated supporter section and leading the entire stadium by singing, chanting, and drumming. Prior to games, they also create TIFO. TIFO are large, colorful, game-specific pieces of art which are unveiled right as games begin. Riveters' TIFO are especially creative and often address timely cultural and social concerns and emphasize their strong group values of inclusion and respect for all.
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In 2018, the Riveters were the first NWSL team to win the supporters' group TIFO of the Year Award for their "Shields Up" TIFO.
Inclusion
A core value of the Riveters is the belief that everyone belongs. The Riveters have created a safe environment for all women, especially LGBTQIA women, to enjoy a shared game day experience. This happens through intentional acts to welcome anyone who wants to be a Riveter, and to speak out against intolerance, homophobia, and all forms of hate. The Riveters say "We are Family" - and they mean it!
