#WhyIMarch: Real Stories for the Women’s March

Courtesy of bmoreart.com

Perhaps you’ve heard whispers (or vibrant shouts) of a thing the kids (and everyone else) are going to be doing this Saturday, January 21st: the Women’s March (or the I-Hate-the-Potential-But-Actually-Probable-Future-Disaster Protest).

Yes, the Women’s March is happening and it’s happening in a big way.

While you don’t need to be part of it, you do need to respect those who are. It’s not a small thing to show up, put your body on the line quite literally and tell the world you’ve had enough. Enough what? Enough sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming, slut-shaming, classism, elitism, educational barriers, wage equality barriers, environmental protection barriers, corruption, lying, media misrepresentation and, oh yeah, Trump–the embodiment of all these social ills.

Courtesy of latimes.com

We know the issues. But who are the people? The people at stake in this too near future? The people who are marching?

Why go out there in the streets with signs in hand, pussy hats on or tits out?

I asked real people to tell me #WhyIMarch in their own words. Here’s what they said:

As a woman, I feel I must! I don’t know that marching is going to solve any problem, but I hope it will energize the defeated majority in a way that will help us find actions and hold those in power accountable.
-Emily, Oakland

 To start to rebuild women’s rights after the setback of electing Donald Trump.
-Stephanie, Seattle

The next four years will be a test of many things but that of our very basic human rights should never be one of them. I am here to march and stand for not only female-identifying individuals but for all those who have been listed as an enemy of the next President, Donald Trump. Even more so, I am marching for those who cannot defend themselves, who are not able to speak up and those who might be too scared to do so. All of these are important to me and more. I am lucky to live in an environment where I am constantly reminded of how fierce women (and men) can be in fighting for the rights of all and I only hope to prove half as amazing as them.
-Kitty, San Francisco

For women rights, equality and against sexism. Obvi to show the new Prez some resistance.
-Clea, France

Courtesy of thinkprogress.org

I am marching in support of human rights, in particular, women’s rights, which are now in jeopardy.
-Karla, Oak Ridge

I march in solidarity with my sisters because women’s rights are humans rights! And all of our human rights are under siege with the incoming (illegitimate) administration.
-Daniel, Bay Area

To help make a statement. I know nothing will be changed just bc we march, but they’ll at least acknowledge our voice, our numbers. I also plan to use this opportunity to promote helping our local organizations with those who attend. So we can be more than just a statement.
-Amanda, Denver

Because I am angry and ashamed that my country has elected a narcissistic abuser of women to our highest office. I am shocked and appalled at the words and actions of the President-elect and his appointees on a daily basis. This is not normal and we can’t forget that.
-Aimee, San Francisco

Courtesy of courant.com

I’m marching because African American women are one of the most ignored, widely dismissed groups in America. Issues such as access to birth control, sex education, sexual health programs are fundamental to the survival and success of Black women, especially those from rural communities or living in poverty. I’m marching because women deserve a real seat at the table. To earn equal pay and to be professionally successful. So that my friends, nieces, daughters, and granddaughters don’t have to struggle to be taken seriously just because they are women. Because it’s about time that we are all treated equally, and women are no longer ignored.
-Tiffany, Chicago

1) My patients, who need access to health care, abortions, free preventative services and medications even if they are documented citizens or not
2) My livelihood-I work for Planned Parenthood
3) My unborn son whom I’m worried about growing up in a Trump administration (hopefully only 1 term)
4) African Americans: because enforcing a greater ‘rule of law’ in response to the causes brought up by Black Lives Matter is insulting and supports institutionalized racism, when the focus should be on dismantling these systems of power
5) Muslims.
6) Women: his language and attitude towards woman is outdated, sexist, and dangerous. It angers me at my core and that anger is even more powerful now that I fear my son may grow up thinking its culturally acceptable. NOT OKAY
-Nicole, San Francisco

Because vaginas literally run the world and it’s time said world knows it.
-Sheena, Iowa

To show the world women are powerful when we come together. And we are coming together. We are not taking this shit lying down.
-Nadine, London

Courtesy of newyorker.com

I’ll be marching in Oakland this Saturday because I believe in feminine rage, in all its beautiful and terrible forms. I’ve often said that women should be treated like the ocean: with a respectful mingling of awe and fear.

My true story: in line at SFO after a vacation in Mexico this month, I watched a video of Obama welcoming immigrants, visitors and home-bound citizens alike to the USA by saying this was a place for everyone. I suddenly realized it won’t be him on the screens at our airports anymore and asked “what will they ask Trump to say” aloud. Everyone around me looked up, shook their heads, and a woman turned to me with “what can he say? It will all be lies anyway.”

If you want to find out where to march near you, visit the Sister Marches section of the DC’s Women’s March here.

If you do not want to march but want to be involved in other ways, read through some suggestions in this article or ask your friends how you might best volunteer, donate money or take political action.

If you are marching, you should read this guide for a safe and successful participation.

If, however, anyone is telling how you should dress for the Women’s March in terms of anything other than safety, kindly tell them to fuck off.

Above all: be safe, be proud, be loud.