San Francisco Dykes on Bikes WMC

San Francisco Dykes on Bikes®  Women's Motorcycle Contingent is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating a local, national, and international community of women motorcyclists and friends of women motorcyclists. Our mission is to support philanthropic endeavors in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and women's communities, and to reach out to empower a community of diverse women through rides, charity events, Pride events and education. San Francisco is the mother chapter for the international Dykes on Bikes® community. 

What began when a small group of women motorcyclists jumped to the front of the Gay Freedom Parade in 1976 has become a worldwide phenomenon. We are proud to call ourselves Dykes on Bikes. While "Dyke" had historically been perceived as an epithet, it is considered a term of courage and pride for our riders, supporters, and friends. Under the guidance of Brooke Oliver and her firm 50 Balmy Law P.C., we argued over the course of 13 years to trademark first our name "Dykes on Bikes" and then our logo. This journey took us to the Supreme Court of the United States twice. Our success was a victory for the LGBTQ+ community and a part of a landmark decision and one of the most important Freedom of Expression cases in years (more on our Amicus Brief filed in the case of Matal vs Tam). LGBTQ+ Pride Parades around the world are now kicked off with the roar of motorcycle engines as chapters of Dykes on Bikes®  make their presence and Pride known.  

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic individually and as a community has been heartfelt. And while our rides in 2020 were limited, the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Board of Directors continued to meet remotely, accomplishing important objectives for our organization. With COVID-19 still limiting activities with large crowds, including the annual LGBTQ+ Pride Parade, we are looking at changing how we as SFDOB and our supporters participate and contribute during this year’s LGBTQ+ Pride season. 

As we recognize our 45th anniversary in 2021, we are excited to begin an archive project. Under the direction of Emeritus Patchholder Dr. Sheila Malone, the archives will preserve and make accessible the Dykes on Bikes® history for all those from the past, present, and future.  The funds we raise through GIVE OUT DAY will be used by Dykes on Bikes® to support operating expenses, initiate our Archives project, and help us continue the important work protecting the use of the trademarked name Dykes on Bikes® for non-profit work in the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S. and abroad.  

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our organization and we hope you will consider supporting us through a financial contribution.