This weekend, I had the pleasure to take part in one of the many Women's Marches going on all over the world. Specifically, I went to the March on Omaha.

I've seen a lot of news coverage and articles where people tried to find any coverage they possibly could to use against those who showed up to march. There have been many stories that were intentionally weighted toward one side or another, so I've decided to share my own personal experience from the viewpoint of someone actually present and marching in the crowd.

I'd like to start by saying that I have been to many previous protests here in Omaha. This one was probably as big as all the others combined. Other times, we would stick to the sidewalks and still have enough room to move around a bit, even if we did have a large turnout.

However, this time, whole streets were closed off by police barricades to allow for the marchers. Tens of thousands of people crowded the streets of downtown Omaha. At some points, there was no space to move. The sheer number of people who showed up in support of women everywhere was absolutely astonishing.

Also, I've seen some media portraying these marches as just a bunch of angry women. From my perspective, that couldn't be any further from the truth. Everyone there was incredibly respectful of each other. People would offer to take pictures for groups of friends, and everyone wanted to get a look at others' clever protest signs. Everyone showed solidarity with their fellow humans in a way that was so refreshing to see.

Furthermore, women were not the only ones who showed up to march. Feminists of many different genders showed up in support of all women, not afraid to call themselves feminists. Men carried signs describing themselves as such, as they knew how important their support is.

Another thing about this protest that I found interesting was that there was quite a lot less hatred leveled at us than at previous protests. At other times, we were insulted, heckled, and disrespected by those who had differing views from ours. However, aside from a few counter-protesters at the starting point (who were gone before the end of the march), I didn't observe any such hatred as I have in the past. That isn't to say it wasn't there; just that I didn't encounter it personally.

Finally, I'd just like to stress that the Women's March on Omaha was not violent. In the next few days, you'll see occurrences that took place at other marches that showcase one act of violence in a sea of love and support. It's easy for the media to get hung up on these things, only speaking to the bad and saying nothing of the good.

So let me just say this: Omaha was peaceful. Omaha was safe. I am extremely proud to have participated in this march, and I am forever grateful that many years from now, I'll be able to say that I participated in such a historic event.