Women's March 2017

At 12:30 am on Saturday morning I boarded a bus in New York with my friend Carli, headed to Washington D.C. for the Women's March. The Women's March came about after the election, and while the main one occurred in Washington, there were sister marches all over the country and the world—in what will probably turn out to be the largest protest ever. The march's stated mission was that "We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families—recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country."

After the election I was depressed and terrified, but motivated to do something. When Carli gave me the bus information, it wasn't long before I had booked a ticket. Although I wasn't looking forward to the long hours and early departure time, I knew I wouldn't regret it and that it was the least I could do as a concerned and able-bodied citizen. I's difficult to put into words just how moving and incredible Saturday actually was—and the march far exceeded even my high expectations.

We'll probably never know exactly how many people descended upon Washington the day after Donald's Trump's inauguration (I've seen estimates from half a million to well over a million), but it was significant, historical and mind-boggling. As a participant, I never felt unsafe or wary of the large crowds, and the march was the very epitome of peaceful resistance. In D.C., there were zero women's march-related arrests—a remarkable fact that shouldn't actually be surprising, but should serve as an example of how smoothly things run when women (and responsible, caring men) are in charge.

The rally was a bit long and marchers started getting antsy, but there were some incredible speakers—Gloria Steinem, Michael Moore, America Ferrara, Ashley Judd, Scarlett Johansson, government officials and so many inspiring women of all faiths, ethnicities and ages. Seeing Gloria Steinem was a particular highlight, and I can only hope to be a fraction as graceful, intelligent and inspiring as she is when I'm 82 (!).

I didn't make a sign because I wanted to have my hands free to take photos, but the signs were undoubtably top-notch. There were so many inspiring (and hilarious) messages of hope, strength and solidarity—spoken, written and demonstrated. When we finally did march, past the Capitol and towards the White House, we chanted "We won't go away! Welcome to your first day," "This is what democracy looks like!" and "We need a leader. Not a creepy tweeter!" We booed as we marched past the monument to conflict-of-interests, Trump International Hotel (and one American Hero shouted "FREE MELANIA!" as she thrust her fist toward the sky).

Trump may not have been in the White House as the people overwhelmed the streets outside of, and around it, but we did not go unheard. This is only the beginning of Trump's presidency and its assault on human decency, empathy and integrity, but the Women's March was only the beginning of the resistance.