This past Saturday, January 21st 2017, I was able to take part in a global movement and make history with millions of feminists all around the world. If you haven't been living under a rock for the past week, then you are well aware that recently Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States. Now, don't click "X" quite yet on this article, because I did not come here to spark a political debate, I came to inform and show YOU the absolutely amazing event that I partook in, here in my home town, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Originally I was going to make the road trip to Washington D.C. with a friend to march there, but life happened! I ended up marching with thousands of amazing people in downtown Cincinnati, beginning at Washington Park, in front of Music Hall.
The program began at 12 pm. There was roughly an hour of phenomenal speakers, speaking perfect truths to the crowd. There were singers, poets, Planned Parenthood leaders, Hamilton County representatives, and a kick ass former marine and woman as the Master of Ceremonies.
You could physically feel the electricity of these powerful and peaceful people all around. It was exhilarating! I can't count the number of times I felt choked up from the passionate words ringing throughout the park. It really hits home when you feel so connected to such an important subject. Women supporting women, women loving women, men supporting women, men loving women, all genders, all races, all sexualities were present and not a single ounce of hate was felt.
One. There was one protester in the entire event. A man with opinions of pro-life, which is 100% his decision, and I'm not here to judge, but then again, when was the last time he had a womb? Thought so.
I decided to play "journalist" of the day and snapped some shots of amazing signs and wrote down a few quotes that really resonated with me as a feminist and human being. They're all down below.
Now, go out there. Do NOT be silent. Not for one second. Take pride in what you believe in and don't let anyone tell you differently. Be the change you wish to see in the world. BE LOUD. BE PROUD.
"Women's rights are not Republican or Democratic rights, they are American values."
"Religious freedom is not a Republican or Democratic right, it is an American value."
"We do more than just get rid of the fire - we get rid of the matches before the fire happens. We believe in the power of prevention." (In regards to sexual assault.)
"We have to stand up when we see violence happen."
"Together we can end gender based violence."
"STAND UP. DO NOT BE A BYSTANDER."
"Women have been under attack far before Trump said we can grab them by the pussies."
"You don't fight sexism with sexism, you fight sexism with solidarity."
"We cannot be silent for a second."
"The president has changed, but the United States Constitution has NOT."
"We are the torch bearers for our freedom."
"Do not let this fire go out when you get home. Wake up every day and KEEP THE FIRE GOING."
"We are stronger together. We are more than just a community, we are a family."
"Be the village for our neighbors."
"The single most important word in our democracy is 'we'."
"I won't say men are superior and women are inferior, but we are magic."
...and remember, love trumps hate.
