Dear Gemma,
Why should I respect and adhere to protocol when men remind us we aren’t welcome here?
Tired of the Bullshit

Dear Tired
Let me be clear to the women and the men – WOMEN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE. Men are not the only occupants of this house. We have a key to the door as well. The female population may be smaller than the male population, but there has been a woman on iron since the early 1900’s. The influx of men coming home from wars rode iron built in factories by a large population of women, who played a significant role for Industrial America during wartime. You’re riding machines women helped build during those eras. However, men shaped by society, live out the caveman mind frame in the motorcycle world – last bastion of pure male testosterone. Because they control it, they make the rules. That being said…the culture is pure and should be honored. The traditions should be respected. And the protocol should be followed, unless it’s the made up kind because some man has his panties in a bunch. We, as women, chose to enter this motorcycle community. Most knew coming in that it is a misogynistic society, those that did know quickly found out. Even when greeted with animosity, that should not deter us from doing it the right way. Otherwise, you become a part of the larger problem – the fuckery that has invaded this way of life. My advice is to ignore the reminders of the men – most are attempting to prove their manhood by debasing women. Do not allow their attitudes to disrupt your journey. May your destiny take you to a better place.
Gemma