An official cancellation of the Dyke March earlier this week did not deter a small contingent of marchers — or the many just celebrating Pride weekend — from showing up to Dolores Park on Saturday. The park was full of revelers and the march, although somewhat smaller this year, went ahead as previously planned.
The march heads down 18th Street. | Photos: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
Dykes on Bikes, a group of motorcycle riders, usually leads the march and this year was no exception. El, the President of Soul Fire Bay Area Motorcycle Club, was one of the lead motorcycles this year. Joined by other club members and several other motorcycle riders, El said there wasn’t a doubt about showing up.
“[This is] about preserving history and preserving the organic history of gay Pride,” El told Hoodline, “This is a movement … We just need to be here as bikers, as lesbians, as motorcyclists, saying we’re gonna be out there, we’re gonna keep those streets blocked for you. Go out there and be who you are.”
Dykes on Bikes line up to start the march. | Photos: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline
Though many people Hoodline spoke to were unaware of the march’s official cancellation, those in the know still decided to show up. Cecilia Garcia and Marina Garza, who have attended many of the past Dyke Marches, were there despite knowing about the cancellation. They were happy to be able to celebrate Pride and enjoy the weather and festivities of the day. But as the motorcycles lined up for the march and revved their engines, they commented that the sound alone was “like an empowering moment.”
“They're doing one anyways,” Garcia said, “That’s how the whole Dyke March started, [by] being rebellious.” They said going ahead with the march was part of the same rebellion that started it all.
Garcia said that talk of inter-organization conflict leading to the march’s cancellation was unfortunate. “It’s important to be accepting of each other no matter what category we fall into, what letter we align ourselves. We all should be humans and accepting of each other.”
Susan, El’s partner who also rode with the motorcycle contingent, echoed the idea of acceptance. “I just think that everybody should be able to live their life the way they want their lives to be lived, you know? Be who you are.”
“And celebrate it,” El added.
Here are more scenes from the day:
The park was packed with those celebrating Pride.
Susana Mejia and partner were unaware of the official cancellation but were enjoying the weather and celebrations anyway.
Attendees dance while awaiting the start of the march.
A mobile DJ booth added some music to the day before the march.
A "Long Live Dyke March" sign is propped up in Dolores Park.
Some tried their hand— or feet— at double dutch jump rope.
A group entertained onlookers with a coordinated dance number.
Attendees grab a selfie with the motorcycle line-up before the march.
The march makes its way from Dolores Park.
Dancing in the park.
Attendees march on 18th Street.
Onlookers give support to marchers as they pass.
(l-r) Mowirz, Carla, Thomas Blythe, and Emma were unaware of the official cancellation of the march, but came out to enjoy the day.
