It’s pride season y’all, and it’s on. I am always fascinated that pride season tends to be so boy focused. Not that I don’t love my boys, and all my other sisters and brothers in the LGBTQAI alphabet soup that is our community. Please no crucifying emails or comments. I just feel like when you look at the news or the images that are associated with pride, most of them are for the boys in very little clothing and lots of glitter. I actually love both, but where are my ladies in sexy tank tops and leather (don’t scream at me, Tatum) … or faux leather?
Well, I found them. All congregated in one place… Dyke March. The first Dyke March happened in Canada almost 30 years ago. Since then, Dyke Marches have popped up all over the world. Here in LA, the West Hollywood Lesbian Visibility Committee, which formed in 1987, did the first official WeHo Dyke march as a kick-off to Christopher Street West Pride six years ago (although there were sporadic marches prior to that date).
It has continued to grow since its inception. There is now the Melissa Etheridge Award, which has honored the lady herself, former state Senator and activist Sheila Kuehl and Lesbian News founder, Jinx Beers.
In honor of Dyke Marches everywhere, I’ve complied a list of top reasons why they are important with the help of Gloria Bigelow, Tatum DeRoeck, and the SheWired team.
Also - for our LA ladies - SheWired, Cherry Bomb and Fuse are teaming up to host Truckstop at Here Lounge (696 N Robertston Blvd, WeHo) for some fun and debauchery pre-march! Join us from 6-9 for Dyke March Drink Specials.... And come with your lady (or a lady friend) dressed as Pimp and Ho for your chance to win $100 bucks cash!
Top 13 reasons Dykes still need to March: (and yes I said 13 ‘cause it’s a power number. Can I get a whoop whoop from all my other Witchy Bitches?)
1. All the baby dykes need to know they are not alone.
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2. We all need a place to go and work off some calories before the drinking blitz that is Pride for many.
3. Those that don’t want to drink need a place to go where everything doesn’t center around alcohol.
4. Just about anyone looks hot on a motorcycle, and Dyke March brings out the Dykes on Bykes.
5. We need a boys-in-speedos free zone.
6. Breast! - 'nough said.
7. You can try out your new pair of pasties. (Not a Dyke March staple, but it’d make me happy!)
8. You can make out in front of your ex with your new, hotter girlfriend.
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9. Cute girls come out of hiding for the march. Someone needs to put a GPS tracking device on them for the rest of the year!
10. Enthusiasm! Its everywhere at the march. Out-of-towners bring it in droves, baby dykes bring it in their new hair cuts, the Dyke March pros bring it in their knowing smiles.
11. Remember enthusiasm is highly contagious. There is no known way to stop it from spreading through out the march and well on into the night. You too may catch the warm, sparkly and tingly feelings of being part of such a welcoming and diverse community. Symptoms include a smiling glow, an urge to continue partying with new friends, and being on a celebratory high.
12. Dyke March is ours all ours (and our allies)! That is always something to revel in, which makes me think what Veruca Salt may have thought about it all when she grew up and came out...
I want a dyke
I want a dyke march
I want a march all to ourselves
It's mine and I want it
Give it to me
Now!
(insert foot stomp)
Thank you for that T. It’s one of my favorite songs from Willy Wonka...
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And last but not least:
13. Visibility is important. Period.
If you’d like to learn more about the West Hollywood Lesbian Visibility Committee you can check out the website.
We can't forget about Dkye Day LA! Dyke Day L.A. is a day in the park for all self-identified dykes and allies, including gay families, transgender dykes, and dykes of all ages. The mission of Dyke Day L.A. is to create an inclusive space that brings together the past, present, and future of our east side Los Angeles dyke community.
Dyke Day LA takes place on the Saturday of Pride weekend (June 12, 2010), creates a space for folks of all backgrounds to connect with each other and with community organizations in celebration of our eclectic queer family! There will be bands and stage performances, arts and crafts for kids of all ages and tables for local organizations to set up information for the community.
For more information on Dyke Day LA, check out the Facebook Page!
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