Dykes on Bikes: A moment on a motorcycle turned into a pride tradition

A lesbian couple shares a moment aboard a motorcycle before the 1983 Pride Parade in San Francisco.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A lesbian couple shares a moment aboard a motorcycle before the 1983 Pride Parade in San Francisco.
Wikimedia Commons

Motorcycles have a long history with lesbian culture, and amongst them, the Dykes on Bikes is likely the best known. Reappropriating a slur for lesbians, the group joined the 1976 San Francisco pride, and has led the parade ever since – and many other pride parades around the nation.

The Dykes on Bikes has 22 chapters and is affiliated with many other motorcycle clubs. They’ve also been formally known as the Women’s Motorcycle Contingent.

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