Sisters on Wheels

Dykes on Bikes are a lesbian institution, but they are evolving all the time. Jem Wilson brings us the next chapter of D.O.B.

The lesbian motorcycle group, Dykes on Bikes, is often perceived as an exclusive group for old butch lesbians who like to drink beer and act tough. It's an image that frustrates and confounds those who are proud of being Dykes on Bikes, particularly when these stereotypes come from within the LGBTQI community.

At a time when young lesbians are striving for asymmetrical haircuts and choosing their role models from characters off the L Word, it's a tough time to be a Dyke on a Bike. But 21 years since they first roared down Oxford Street as part of the Mardi Gras parade, Dykes on Bikes are reinventing their image, overcoming stereotypes and attracting new members.

In 1987 Kimborley O'Sullivan and Kath Savona went to the New York Pride Parade. They were inspired by the sight of 1000 women riding on motorbikes and decided to create a Dykes on Bikes group in Sydney. Deb Thompson, the first President of the group, says their aim was to "challenge male dominance over the Mardi Gras". Only 15 Dykes on Bikes took part in the first parade in 1988, but by 1991, around 200 women had joined, riding everything from BMW's, Ducatis and Harleys to simple scooters and postie bikes.

Since then Dykes on Bikes groups have formed in Queensland and Victoria, and they run day rides, weekend trips and events for women who love to ride motorbikes.

Dykes on Bikes are now the most identifiable and anticipated aspect of pride marches around the world. The group is placed at the front of the parades in order to prevent their engines from overheating. But Adrienne Coulter, the Media Officer with Dykes on Bikes Sydney, says there are also symbolic reasons for having bikers lead pride marches. Like the great cavalry charges in battle, she says the sound and fury of their bikes relieves tension and scares bigots away.

"I had a guy come up to me – he lives out West in Sydney - a gay guy. And he said, "I just want to say 'thank you' because having you here makes me feel safe. I feel like you go out there before the rest of to make us feel that no-one is going to hurt us,' she explains.

But the group has been criticised for their refusal to portray a more socially acceptable image of lesbians.

Coulter says this "upsets her" because it ignores the bravery of women who challenge gender roles.

"Older lesbians that choose to look masculine often get shit because they're not pretty or feminine enough. And I wonder if you guys, younger lesbians, know the history of the group and what we've fought for? Because I know younger lesbians who go 'Uggh, Dykes on Bikes." There is that initial perception towards us that is negative and as the media officer for Dykes on Bikes I want to know why?"

She believes this attitude comes from people who deny the validity of butch identities.

"It's like being butch is something to be ashamed of these days and I think attitudes have flipped. Years ago femininity was seen as a threat, but now people act as if butch women aren't being true to themselves. But if that's who they are and that's who they want to be, then what's wrong with that? What's wrong with being different?"

Coleen Worley, the President of Dykes on Bikes Victoria, says these stereotypes also ignore the fact that there are plenty of femmes within Dykes on Bikes, as well as professional women who hold esteemed positions within society.

"It's not cheap to own a bike. Some of the women have bikes worth $20,000 and some don't. We're a representation of our own community so there are butch riders and femme ones too. When we're on our bikes everyone looks the same but when we pull off our helmets we're all very different women."

At a time when most lesbian events focus on pubs and drinking, Worley says Dykes on Bikes is one of the few groups with a history of providing positive role models to young lesbians.

"We have women members who are over 50, and women who have been in relationships for over 20 years. I think it sends a great message that we've forged ahead against adversity. We set an example to the younger women that we're proud of our sexuality."

The group also performs important work in raising money for charities like the Salvation Army, the Gay and Lesbian Counseling service, and Children living with HIV. Regular fundraising events like the Black and White Ball and the Bike and Tattoo show are successful fundraisers in Sydney, and the Melbourne Dykes on Bikes are about to launch their first fundraising event at the Bendigo Hotel.

In an effort to attract new members and more publicity for their fundraisers, both groups are now using social networking sites like Facebook. But this risks giving a forum for those who still want to denigrate Dykes on Bikes.

"We'll trial Facebook for another month or so," says Coulter of the Sydney group. "With Facebook you have to control it like a hawk because straight guys read the word 'lesbian' and see sexual connotations."

The Victorian chapter has similar fears, says Worley.

"We're trying to get exposure but there are problems. We can't let people post comments that are derogatory so we're trying to use forums in a way where there is a screening process and protection for all our members."

The Sydney group recently recruited 20 new members, and around 15 women signed up to the Melbourne group during Midsumma.

Coulter hopes these new members will ride with pride and carry on the rich tradition of Dykes on Bikes.

"I say to every new member, this is your club. You're the future. As older members we can sustain it because its history is so strong. But we need younger women and it is happening and I think the new generation is coming through and inevitably they will change the face of Dykes on Bikes."

Written by Jem Wilson
Monday, 24 August 2009