Kate Brown, Ph.D–
San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® has had a full and fantastic Pride Month so far and now we are in Pride Week!
We started strong with Sonoma County Pride and Clayton Pride, and this year we added Pacifica Pride on June 7. It was our second time to participate and we were warmly welcomed. We love seeing Pride celebrated in towns of all sizes, and we’re always happy to bring the rumble of our engines.
On June 8, Dykes on Bikes was celebrated at the San Francisco Bay Times’ Mimosa Brunch held at Catch French Bistro. A special thank you to the Bay Times, as well as to sponsors Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP and Boone Callaway for sponsoring the event; to Brooke Oliver, Senior Counsel with Procopio and General Counsel for Dykes on Bikes, for the introduction and recap of our historic trademark case; and to Suzanne Ford of San Francisco Pride for helping lead the auction and raffle. It was great food, community, and conversations. Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported us.
We participated in Sacramento Pride on June 15 and returned to Sacramento on June 23 for another motorcycle procession with the California LGBTQ Caucus. Riding through downtown Sacramento with California state legislators and community leaders is always an honor, serving as an important reminder of the power of visibility.
On June 22, we joined the People’s March & Rally, organized by activists and community leaders Alex U. Inn and Juanita MORE!, following the same route as the first Gay Liberation Protest.
On Friday, June 27, Dykes on Bikes will help kick off Pride Weekend by delivering the legendary Rainbow Torch to the base of the R-Evolution statue at Embarcadero Plaza. The torch will light up the world’s largest Pride flag, created from laser space cannons (aka GAYsers!). Like all Illuminate events, this celebration is free and open to all, so come join us at the Embarcadero Plaza as we light up the night and help launch Pride Weekend 2025 in style.
And don’t forget, our annual fundraiser is on Saturday, June 28, from 12:30–3:30 pm at The Academy SF (2166 Market Street). We’ll have music from DJ Rockaway, a silent auction featuring an amazing lineup of items donated by local businesses, and plenty of Dykes on Bikes® merch and T-shirts. You can register to ride with us in the San Francisco Pride Parade while you’re there. Our mid-day event puts you right in the heart of the Castro and gives you time to enjoy everything else Pride Saturday has to offer. Proceeds from T-shirt sales will be donated to the San Francisco Transgender District and El/La Para TransLatinas.
This year marks our 49th year leading the San Francisco Pride Parade, and we’d love for you to ride with us. Register now by visiting our website ( www.dykesonbikes.org ) and be part of the iconic roar of engines as Dykes on Bikes kicks off the San Francisco Pride Parade, riding with dignity, visibility, and the fierce belief in this year’s Pride theme: Queer Joy is Resistance!
Before I wrap, I want to acknowledge that Pride doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The recent Supreme Court decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth is heartbreaking and dangerous. Alongside hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country, it sends a chilling message to our community, especially to young trans and nonbinary people. We see you. We’re riding for you. And we won’t stop fighting.
Thank you to everyone who has shown up, whether that is cheering from the sidewalk, joining our rides, donating, or organizing in your own community.
Let’s keep riding, together.
Kate Brown, Ph.D., is the President of San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent. https://www.dykesonbikes.org/
Dykes on Bikes® Tales from Two Wheels
Published on June 26, 2025
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