Gay on motorcycle

The supportive environment allowed him to grow as a rider and develop friendships without the added pressure of coming out in a traditional biking community.

This is particularly true for older members, but even younger riders face challenges in finding acceptance. Homosexuals were deemed as deviants and undesirables in society.

The Satyrs was not the first gay & lesbian organization, that was the Mattachine Society formed in 1950. “Joining a club like this meant one less barrier to entry,” he explains.

By fostering an environment where members can be themselves, the club not only enriches the lives of its participants but also contributes to a broader culture of acceptance and support within the motorcycling community. His experiences highlight the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive without fear of judgment.

Ian St John, who joined the club after inheriting his father’s motorcycle, found a sense of belonging he had never anticipated.

As Bazeley aptly puts it, “There are a lot of mental health benefits to a club such as this, and we are a group of friends who support each other.”

The GBMCC’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of community, reminding us all that the road to acceptance is best traveled together.