At this point in time we are all aware that uninformed lawmakers enjoy passing legislation that try to take away a woman’s bodily autonomy. Texas’s passing of the “Heartbeat Act” on September 1st, 2021 is a prime example of this. It’s attempt to ban abortion after a heartbeat is detected (as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy) sparked outrage around the country. Women’s marches began popping up all over the country to protest the act, and I was lucky enough to attend one of these marches.
On the morning of October 2nd I dressed in my newly purchased “peace, love, and reproductive rights” shirt and proudly fastened my Ruth Bader Ginsburg enamel pin to my chest. I stepped out of the front doors of my hotel accompanied by my mom, and two of her best friends (three of the strongest women in my life). We rounded the corner to the main plaza, the starting point of the march. There were women everywhere. Women old enough to be my grandmother stood side by side with girls who couldn’t have been more than 8 years old.
There were organizations from all backgrounds handing out flyers, stickers, posters, and pins. Christian women for choice, Jew’s for choice, BIPOC for reproductive rights, and several others all united for a singular cause.
The plaza was buzzing the entire leadup to the march. Strangers were taking photos with other strangers, holding up signs together, sharing water, and “my body my choice” signs. I had my camera in tow and took photos of every sign I could; the holders of these signs happily agreed to have their photo taken.
The speakers at the march were powerful. Their words silenced a crowd of thousands. They spoke words of hope, encouragement, and protest. We would not let legislators win. As long as lawmakers continued to try to take away our bodily autonomy, we would resist.
After the final speaker shared her powerful words, we began our march. Our route landed us at the front steps of the Supreme Court. We chanted the entire way: “My body my choice!”
We passed by the D.C. Trump Hotel and booing ensued from the crowd. A woman, who had to have been in her 70’s, threw her middle finger up to the hotel as we passed. I followed her gesture with a smile.
Before October 2nd, I had never participated in a march or protest of any kind. I had never felt the electric feel of a crowd, all gathering for a single, united cause. I had never protested for my rights or anyone else’s for that matter. I had never experienced what empowerment truly felt like: A feeling of strength, power, and righteousness.
Until the march, I had never been surrounded by more empowered, bada** women. We came from all walks of life, all races, all religions, and all ages; but I truly felt that we were one powerful force.
I have always been proud to be a woman, but this day brought out something new. I now have a newfound appreciation for my woman-ness. There is a certain power and strength that all women have, and this was perfectly evident while marching with my peers. Being a woman is a superpower. I truly believe lawmakers will realize this soon. You do not mess with women because we will come together and we will win.
**Edited by: Beth Dawkins