In the 70s, gay liberation groups reclaimed many derogatory terms for LGBT folks, including dyke and fag (or faggot). For years, the term “dyke” or “bulldyke” was used to put down women-loving women. Patent and Trademark Office originally rejected the organization’s application because it felt the word “dyke” was vulgar and offensive to lesbians. The trademarking of the name wasn’t easy.
The judges felt that as a man he didn’t have standing to object to the word dyke. In a 3-0 decision, the Washington D.C.-based Court of Appeals recently denied his suit. He feels what the group calls itself is “disparaging to men.” Our legal system’s not buying it. McDermott says he finds the word dyke offensive, scandalous and immoral.
Identifying himself as a fourth generation San Franciscan, McDermott filed an appeal after the motorcycle group was granted a trademark on its name. Who has not thrilled at the sight of hundreds of women zooming down Market Street? The answer is quite simple: Michael McDermott. Who in San Francisco doesn’t know Dykes on Bikes? The amazing motorcycle group leads off the annual San Francisco Pride Parade. Juliet had no idea what she was saying when she asked that immortal question: “What’s in a name?” If she were alive today, she might be asking: “Wherefore art thou Dykes on Bikes?”
