A few Saturdays ago, millions of people across the globe rose early, adorned in distinct pink hats. These individuals gathered with handmade signs, sharing breakfast sandwiches wrapped in foil and coffee mugs as they traveled together on buses, cars, and trains. Among them were many women, who naturally brought along trays of cupcakes to share.
As they disembarked and merged into a vast sea of humanity, their spirits soared. They were overwhelmed by the sight of so many bodies united in purpose, proudly displaying their signs and chanting, “This is what democracy looks like!” They exchanged high-fives with police officers, cheered for supportive motorists, and embraced both friends and strangers alike. The atmosphere was peaceful, with no damage done and no arrests made.
But what drove them to march?
You might be tempted to question the motives behind such protests, suggesting that those involved should simply accept the current political climate. After all, many of us today enjoy rights and freedoms. However, the reality is that a significant number of marchers were not there solely for their own rights. For instance, I identify as a white, college-educated, heterosexual woman with access to health care and affordable birth control. I am not part of a marginalized group. Yet, the early morning chill of that January day compelled me to stand up for others.
At one point in Denver, a speaker invited the crowd to show their solidarity by raising their hands if they had ever experienced unwanted sexual advances. A moment of silence fell before every woman I could see raised her hand—each one different in color, shape, religion, and socioeconomic background. My friends and I stood there with two young girls, grappling with what to say in that poignant moment.
Yes, women in America possess many rights today. Yet, the fact that so many felt compelled to march signals that we still have a long way to go. If you don’t grasp the significance of this, it may be because you are in a position of privilege—white, straight, and with access to necessary resources. It’s essential to recognize the broader implications beyond your immediate circumstances. If this realization makes you uncomfortable, it’s likely time to confront that discomfort directly.
Disagreement is a cornerstone of democracy, and it’s what makes our society vibrant. However, the sheer number of people who took to the streets that day tells us something is fundamentally amiss. Ordinary political disagreements do not mobilize millions to march with pink hats and handmade signs. If a more conventional candidate had won, I would have chosen to stay in bed. But this situation is anything but ordinary.
I marched for the planet. I marched for those who are marginalized. I marched for immigrants, just as my great-grandparents once did when they came to this country. I marched to ensure I would always remember that day and what it meant. Most importantly, I marched so my daughter would never have to raise her hand in a crowd of others in a moment of shared pain.
This movement is gaining momentum, and for me, it marks just the beginning of a much larger journey.
For more insight into family-building options, check out this excellent resource from Resolve. You can also explore our blog on couples’ fertility journeys to gain further knowledge. Don’t forget to visit Intracervical Insemination for authoritative information on these topics.
In summary, the marches serve as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for rights and representation. They encapsulate the collective voices of those who refuse to be silent, emphasizing that we will continue to march until true equality is achieved.