MotorQueer Photography (continued)

I've just discovered the photography of David Perry and couldn't wait to talk about it. Perry is widely known for his pinup girls, evoking '50s pin-up artists like Gil Elvgren.

David Perry's work has been exhibited, featured in magazines and published in books. He lives in Vallejo, California, with his wife Mary and son August. He drives a flathead-powered 1928 Ford hot rod. If you like hot rods, classic cars, pin-up girls and rockabilly, I recommend you check him out.

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Motorqueer Photography

Before I started this blog I had the naive idea that it would be easy to find MotorQueer imagery. The criteria seem easy enough, homoerotic or gay-themed imagery that is also car or motorcycle-themed... Not so easy it turns out.

However, there are a couple images that we might all have seen and remembered. These are images that have been sold for years as posters or fridge magnets. They may or may not be considered art, but who cares. I've seen them in enough people's homes to know that the images have impact.

The photo on the right is called Fred with Tyres and is part of a series. It is from the late Herb Ritts, renowned fashion photographer. Remember Olivia Newton-John's Physical album cover? What about Madonna's True Blue? Both by Herb Ritts. Check out the Herb Ritts entry on Wikipedia to learn more about the role he played in shaping popular culture.

The photo on the left is titled Omigawd, Lesbians! and was taken by Sunny Bak. While not as famous as Ritts, Sunny Bak has had her hand in the music industry. The Beastie Boys video for Fight for Your Right to Party was shot in her old Manhattan studio and all the stuff in the video is hers. You will also find one of her photos on the inner cover of the License to Ill album.

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MotorSport: gays and auto racing...

I'm definitely not the biggest motorsport fan myself. However, after doing some searching around I've found that some of you definitely are. The most vocal of you on the web are talking about NASCAR. While the 2007 season hasn't started yet, you can check out a discussion of last year's season in the Outsports Discussion Boards. You can also surf to Gaytona.com for a fun gay perspective on NASCAR from Betty Jack.

If you're like me and not quite up to speed, look for an overview on Wikipedia or for an older intro article from GaySports. If racing isn't your thing, maybe drivers are. Join the seemingly endless discussion about whether NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon is gay.

From NASCAR cutie to gay NASCAR movie character. In Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Will Ferrell plays the title character. Ricky's reign as top driver comes to a sudden halt when the gay French driver Jean Girard defects from Formula One. Ricky and Jean Girard even kiss at the end of the movie.

Are you a fan of NASCAR? Other motorsports? Other drivers? Let me know what resources you recommend. What's your favourite MotorQueer movie? Fictional character? Real-life character?...

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Brando - Father of Gay Biker Clubs?

Liz Highleyman writes a brief history of gay motorcycle clubs for GMax - gay and lesbian South Africa. She describes the beginnings of American motorcycle culture at the end of the Second World War and the spread of gay motorcycle clubs across the US. Both gay and straight men were believed to have embraced the image of Brando's character in the 1953 film The Wild Ones... Click here to read the full article. It's definitely worth it!

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MotorQueers at Work: Interviews at Gaywheels.com

In addition to regular car reviews and discussion regarding gay-friendly automotive companies, Gaywheels.com regularly features interviews with gay and lesbian professionals from the automotive industry in their Headlights section. Their most recent interview is with Adam Bernard, an automotive analyst from the Detroit area. You can also read from Adam himself on his blog splitting the adam.

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Gay Men (& Women) Really do Like Cars...

There are actually gay men who like cars. It's not just something we pretend to like to spend time with our high school crush... We even get together to celebrate our love for cars. I've collected links to some of the gay and lesbian car clubs around the world.

• Lambda Car Club International (mostly US, around since 1981)
  
• Gay Classic Car Group (UK-based)
• Gay Classic Car Club Benelux
  
• Motafrenz Car Club Inc (Australia)

Let me know if you're a member of a gay car club and i will make sure to add you to a permanent list of links.

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Welcome to MotorQueer

Standing on Toronto’s Yonge Street I wait impatiently in the hot sun with thousands of other people to see my first Pride Parade. I hear a distant, growing rumble. The crowd’s attention turns north. I can soon distinguish a number of growling motors approaching. As they move closer I begin to hear the crowd cheering their arrival. A prickle of excitement runs through me as I catch my first glimpse - Dykes on Bikes

They ride independent, in couples, in families. They break gender stereotypes. They lead the charge. They are the first wave in our battle against homophobia and discrimination. Their bikes are powerful and loud. So are the Dykes. They are strong and are here to protect and defend us.

While my description may be over the top (I am gay after all), there is no denying that Dykes on Bikes are important icons of LGBT culture in general and Motor Culture in particular. I've started (with) this blog as a place to discuss and explore the idea of LGBT or Queer Motor Culture. I'm looking for other people to provide or find appropriate content. In particular I'd love someone to design a proper look for this site. Leave a comment or email me john@motorqueer.com.

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