It wasn’t my plan to post today, but I’ve been inspired to write. The #whyImarch hashtag has been very important to myself and all of the other women and men who attended the WMW last weekend. All 2.9 million of us may not have agreed on all of the issues called out in the platform, but we all showed up in solidarity to oppose what we believe is wrong.
One of the signs that has showed up in my social media repeatedly, that I am paraphrasing, said “Things must be really bad, even the introverts are out here”. This one hits home for me because I have severe social anxiety, especially when it involves large crowds of people. It was a rough day, and I had a few bad moments, but I never once considered leaving.
Another sign that became one of my favorites said “I am out here protesting so my daughters won’t have to.” That is why I stayed. I want my daughters to grow up in a country where they can love whomever they choose and that their love will be celebrated equally. I want them to know that no matter what other people try to tell them, their bodies are their own and only THEY get to make the decisions. I want them to know that their mother fought for the notion that sexual assault is UNACCEPTABLE and should be dealt with immediately and with harsh, life-altering consequences for the perpetrator. I want them to grow up to be strong, powerful, intelligent women because they were raised by strong, powerful, intelligent women who taught them that they should never allow themselves to be treated as second class citizens.
I really, really wish we could clean this mess up before my daughters have to get involved. But I also really, really wish that my daughters become passionate enough about a cause to jump in and do something about it. I’ve decided to lead by example. My wish for them is peace. But if that just isn’t in the cards, then my wish for them is strength and compassion in the face of adversity.
Now We Stand 