101 in 1001

#81: Attend a national protest

I first heard of this march shortly after the decision to keep Prop 8 in place was made, and I knew then I’d be attending. It felt important to me, to take part in what was a big movement for gay-kind, focusing on Marriage Rights and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. It’s really close to my heart, as an issue, and I want to be a part of the movement to bring about change in any and all ways I can. So in June I got a hotel room for the weekend [I decided to leave transport up to the hands of fate], and I prepared for myself for the event. I was excited.

And it finally came. Despite a lot of people pissing in the cereal of the march in the weeks before it, I [mostly] kept my mouth shut, because I knew the event was important not just to me, but to many of my peers and friends, as well as others across the nation. It was finally our turn to get our hands dirty, to get involved and to be a part of the process. To not simply hear about the history but to be a part of it, and take a stand for our rights. And it felt great to know that.

It was amazing to come into the area of McPherson Square on sunday morning and see swarms upon swarms of queer-folk and their allies there, to wander through the crowd, and feel the excitement and energy coursing through me and everyone else there. It was exciting, and invigorating. I didn’t even notice the crowd [usually I am very aware and somewhat claustrophobic in large crowds]. I found some of my friends amongst the group, and exchanged conversation, and simply stood and looked at the sheer masses of people. It was astounding. Masses!

I later found out there was about 200,000 people at the event. Incredible.

Anyway, we stepped off some long amount of time after 11:00 and wandered the march route, surrounded by people with flags and signs. Less rowdy than some at the front, but the spirit and feeling of community was in no way lacking. Though I did not yell much, I felt good representing at the event, and adding to the count of people.

There were few counter-protesters, and all of them were surrounded by queer folk of one kind or another, shouting and yelling.

When we got to the actual capitol, I was blown away. I REALLY got an idea of the sheer masses of people. It was astounding. They were everywhere! It was an amazing experience, and one I am proud and happy to have been a part of.

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