#WhyIMarch: Culturess Writers Share Their Women’s March Thoughts

2017 Women’s March, Washington, DC (Image via Kalistrya)

A View from the National Capital

I march because when you claim that women already have all their rights and that I am just a whiner, the only house I have ever been in where I have consistently heard women spoken of derogatorily including being called cunts is yours.

I march because I double majored in the two loves of my life and know that science is not something made up to just get my way and the arts not only have real value, but require real work.

I march because while I have healthcare, I know that others do not and that wellness should not only be for those fortunate enough to have a job that pays enough or come at the cost of being able to afford food or shelter.

I march because a trans person’s journey to be themself should be supported with respect and dignity.

I march because disabilities are not a punchline so you can make believe you are liked for your sick so-called sense of humor.

I march because you believe the solution to complex problems is to wonder from your safe place “why don’t they just…” get a job, go somewhere else, be less poor, be more compliant, wear a longer skirt without realizing it’s the modern day equivalent of let them eat cake.

I march because you think that same sex marriages are not deserving of equal benefits and that is not okay with me.

I march because skin color can mean you never get a chance to be yourself as an individual because racism and even unconscious bias have already determined who you are.

I march because when you talk about Those People, you don’t realize that I am one of them.

I march because I may be a quiet Asian woman, but I have a growing fire in my belly for human rights and we all still have a long way to go.

– Kalistrya, who marched in Washington, DC