There’s been a lot happening in the news over these past few weeks.
There’s been a lot of upset, and a lot of speaking out. But that’s one of the most beautiful things about America; your voice can be heard.
And that’s exactly what hundreds of thousands of women across the United States are doing tomorrow January 21, 2017, in the Women’s March on Washington. The official march is taking place in Washington D.C., but there are sister marches happening all over the United States in other cities, 616 of them to be exact.
Click here to find one near you.
The march started as a Facebook group by Teresa Shook of Hawaii, who invited 40 of her friends to join her to march on Washington the day following in inauguration, protesting Trump’s election. Soon, similar Facebook groups got created and eventually combined, leading to an Official Women’s March on Washington, with a committee of chairs and co-chairs to organize.
The organizers say the real meaning behind the march isn’t to target Trump, but in an interview with the guardian, said it is "more about being proactive about women's rights," and, more largely, "a stand on social justice and human rights issues ranging from race, ethnicity, gender, religion, immigration and healthcare.”
For those of you attending any of the marches, I applaud you for standing up for what you believe in. Now let’s make sure you’ve got something to wear.
For those of you attending marches in colder places (i.e. Washington D.C.)…
Make sure you dress for the weather! Even if the temperature is in the mid-50s, it will feel a lot colder once you’ve been standing outside for a number of hours. Wear layers, that way you can take them on and off as you need.
For those of you marching for something specific…
The official Women’s March Platform is five pages long and covers a lot of issues, ranging from reproductive rights, racial equality, equal pay, and as Refinery29 best put it, “a right to stay safe from pussy grabbing.”
If you’re marching for reproductive rights, try something from the Planned Parenthood Marketplace, which has lots of gear, even some specifically designed for marchers.
If you’re marching for racial, ethnic or religious equality, dress in the way that’s most suited to you and your culture. You’ll be standing with your sisters by your side, and there will be no reason to be afraid.
For those of you who want to send a message…
Try something from Otherwild, who has an entire collection of clothes dedicated to this movement. From “The Future is Female” shirts, to “Venus Tit Hoodies,” there are plenty of options for you to wear.
For those of you who just want to be involved…
Try wearing some official Women’s March gear. For those of you attending the march in D.C., gear will be sold there.
Keep in mind, you also can’t go wrong with pink. The color pink is being redefined, and is no longer being seen as girly and week. Instead, a new shade of “Millennial Pink” has emerged, and strong, independent, intelligent, modern women everywhere are wearing it.
For everyone marching…
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. This is so important, and your feet will thank you in the long run (pun intended).
If you’re expected to have harsh weather (i.e. rain, snow, etc.) make sure you are mindful and dress accordingly. It’s a lot less fun to stand up for what you believe in when your shoes are soaked and you are chilled to the bone.
When in doubt, wear whatever the fuck you want. This march is all about expressing yourself and your beliefs, and ultimately, you can do that in whatever way you choose. Kudos to the millions of people standing up for what they believe in this weekend, your voices are not unheard.
