Dykes on Bikes

Definition

Dykes on Bikes is a phrase that originated in the 1980s and is used to represent a motorcycle club of LGBTQ+ women, particularly lesbians. This term has evolved into a symbol of empowerment and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, often challenging societal norms and perceptions about gender and sexuality. It also plays a significant role in discussions around disparaging marks and their registration, as it raises questions about whether such terms can be considered offensive or derogatory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dykes on Bikes first gained prominence during pride parades in San Francisco, where they showcased visibility for LGBTQ+ women and challenged stereotypes.
2. The term has been controversial, with some arguing that it is a reclaiming of a historically derogatory label, while others believe it perpetuates negative stereotypes.
3. In 2015, the United States Patent and Trademark Office initially denied a trademark application for Dykes on Bikes, citing the disparaging nature of the term.
4. The case was pivotal in addressing issues of self-identification within trademark law, where the community's embrace of the term impacted its perceived offensiveness.
5. Ultimately, the Dykes on Bikes trademark was granted after a re-evaluation recognized its significance as a form of identity and empowerment rather than disparagement.

Review Questions

• How does the term Dykes on Bikes illustrate the challenges associated with registering disparaging marks?
  • Dykes on Bikes exemplifies the complexities surrounding disparaging marks as it straddles the line between being an offensive term and a symbol of empowerment. The initial rejection of its trademark application highlighted how perceptions of terms can vary significantly between communities. This case underscores the need to consider context and community sentiment when determining if a mark is indeed disparaging.
• In what ways did the Dykes on Bikes movement influence broader discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility?
  • The Dykes on Bikes movement significantly contributed to LGBTQ+ rights by promoting visibility and representation for lesbian individuals in predominantly male spaces like motorcycle culture. By reclaiming a once derogatory term, they fostered a sense of pride within the community, encouraging discussions about identity and acceptance. This movement has become emblematic of larger efforts for equal rights and recognition within society.
• Evaluate the implications of the Dykes on Bikes case for future trademark registrations involving potentially disparaging terms.
  • The Dykes on Bikes case sets an important precedent for future trademark registrations involving terms that may be seen as disparaging. It suggests that community ownership and positive self-identification can outweigh traditional views of offensiveness. This shift could lead to more inclusive interpretations in trademark law, allowing marginalized groups to reclaim terms that empower them while challenging established norms around what constitutes disparagement in branding.

Related terms

Disparaging Marks: Trademarks that are deemed to belittle or bring into disrepute the associated individual or group, often rejected by the trademark office.

Scandalous Marks: Trademarks that are considered offensive or immoral by contemporary standards, which may lead to their rejection during the registration process.

LGBTQ+ Rights: The movement advocating for the rights and acceptance of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientations and gender identities.