Name: Mikki Barry
Why I Am Joining The March : Without bodily autonomy, other rights have no meaning.

 

Name: Tasha virtue
Why I Am Joining The March : Becuase I stand with marginalized communities, and against white nationalism, ableism and oppression in general.

 

Name: Linda Davis
Why I Am Joining The March : Love is the answer, and love will find a way. Light always cancels out darkness, and Love trumps hate every time. Together we are stronger, and together we will prevail. I am staunchly behind this movement, and wish I could join you at the women’s march. This online version is my statement of full support and encouragement.

 

Name: Chrissy Wareikis
Why I Am Joining The March : I am marching for fairness and freedom for all people.

 

Name: Florence A. Kontos
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the march because I am an advocate for people with disabilities and they should be represented by our congressmen/women and senators. I have been disabled for 32 years and strive for a better life each and everyday for myself and those with disabilities.

 

Name: Sarah Lynn Bondy
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the march because I want to stand with you in solidarity because what happens to one of us happens to all of us, only with this attitude can we change the world.

 

Name: Lorie Ham
Why I Am Joining The March : Due to my asthma marching is not really all that feasible for me, even though there are sister marches nearby, but I wanted to do something. I fear for the rights of my friends and loved ones in the LGBTQ + community, and for refugees and Muslims who could face horrible treatment with this administration-and our environment, and so much more. I stand with you all to fight in whatever way I can.

 

Name: Bethany Murphy
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining this march because I am against Mike Pence and Donald Trump’s predgidous against the LGBTQ+ community. I do not want my rights taken away, and even if I cannot physically participate in a march, I will do whatever I can to keep my rights.

 

Name: John Horn
Why I Am Joining The March : Fearing the stability of Medicare and for the stability in the LGBT community.

 

Name: Terri Meigs
Why I Am Joining The March : I believe we need to ensure all Americans today have the following: access to higher education, clean air and water, dignity and respect. For our future we deserve an environment free from the ravages of global warming and harmful waste products. Our children’s future should contain only Prosperity, Peace and Hope

 

Name: Victoria Duran
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the March because I want them to understand that their policies affect millions in such a callous manner. I am autistic, a first-generation Cuban-American on my father’s side (on my mother’s side, I’m second generation). The very fact that the cabinet picks, if they were made back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I wouldn’t have access to the mental health care that was needed for me. Without IDEA, I would not have had access to a free, appropriate, and public education. I would have floundered and be placed in overpacked classrooms as opposed to the small-sized classrooms I was in.
I am disappointed that the marches in and near Columbus, OH are in locations that are inaccessible to those that do not or are unable to drive. That is also partially why I am joining the online march.

 

Name: Robin Berenholz
Why I Am Joining The March : I was very disappointed that due to multiple disabilities I would not be able to join the Women’s March on Washington or Philadelphia. Thank you for putting this together and allowing those of us with disabilities to have a voice and be counted as opposing the presidency of Trump. As a disabled person who depends on Social Security Disability, a Caucasian Jewish woman, the daughter of a Holocaust surviver, mother of a gay son and son-in-law, aunt to an African American neice, and great aunt to a precious mixed race nephew, it is clear to me that Trump, his advisors, and his cabinet picks don’t care about our wellbeing and threaten our very democracy. Trump is not my president and never will be. We need to stand up against this misogynistic, hateful, anti-education for the poor, white supremacist leaning, and money hungry regime that seems to be against all of the principles our country was built on.

 

Name: Danielle Parker
Comment: I would like to join your movement. I am a Special Education teacher and the most offensive part of the 2016 campaign for me personally was Trump mocking those with disabilities. I will be attending the Philadelphia sister march and would like to spread your message.

 

Name: Janet Letizia
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the march because we are equal and it is time that we become recognized as that. I want to make America a better place for my daughters. I am very proud of those physically marching.

 

Name: heather howe
Why I Am Joining The March : I have a rare genetic disorder and became disabled from Lyme disease in my early twenties. I am joining the march to protest President Trump, VP Pence and their dangerous stance towards women’s and LGBTQ rights. Because I wasn’t able to get insured before the ACA due to pre-existing conditions, my illness and lack of government recognition (no financial disability despite disability!) has ruined my family financially- having to pay out of pocket for costly treatments to keep me alive and out of excruciating pain. I am appalled at Trump’s mockery of the disabled, his disgusting sexism, racism, and xenophobia. His climate change denial is calamitous to the world, his cabinet choices are dangerously unqualified, as he is dangerously unqualified to be our Commander in Chief. It was civic ignorance and Russian interference in our election that gave this man the Presidency. Those manufacturing jobs went the way of agriculture — to robots, and are not coming back. Ya got conned ‘merica. Anger and ignorance elected Donald Trump. To quote Justice Souter “I don’t worry about our losing republican government in the United States because I’m afraid of a foreign invasion. I don’t worry about it because I think there is going to be a coup by the military as has happened in some of other places. What I worry about is that when problems are not addressed, people will not know who is responsible. And when the problems get bad enough, as they might do, for example, with another serious terrorist attack, as they might do with another financial meltdown, some one person will come forward and say, ‘Give me total power and I will solve this problem.’ That is the way democracy dies. And if something is not done to improve the level of civic knowledge, that is what you should worry about at night.”
Our “democracy”, our civil rights, our environment are under attack.
I will fight, in every way I can to keep those around me politically aware, socially conscious. I will help my Lyme community receive recognition, vote progressive to rebuild my party, and to never stop fighting for justice, and compassion, and equal rights for all.

 

Name: Melina Donalson
Why I Am Joining The March : I’m joining this march because I live with disabilty due to a chronic autoimmune disease that makes it difficult to march. Our rights, medical care and what quality of life cannot be taken from us. We stand strong from our beds, chairs and homes. Together!

 

Stephen in Saint Paul

I am unable to attend the Womens March – Minnesota but want to do what I can to be counted at this frustrating, frightening time.  It is imperative that citizens who are in the crosshairs of the wealthy elite and radical right speak loudly, respectfully, with conviction, and repeatedly to protect their rights and livelihoods.  Greed and bigotry have long afflicted our nation, but were checked somewhat by our democracy.  With the 2016 elections, our future is severely threatened.  We need to stand together, organized to match the resources of those who have taken control of our country. I am 63 years of age, single, gay, and disabled due to spondylosis and depression.  Thrift, savings and a private disability income help me get by.  I grew up in a small town, then moved to the Twin Cities for college and stayed.  I am blessed with a loving family, affectionate pets and numerous quality friends, and am fortunate to live in a metropolitan area known for its tolerant culture.  I’m doing okay.  But I see many others who are not.  Time to join up.

 

Name: Sylvia Maldonado
Why I Am Joining The March : My name is Sylvia Maldonado and I am joining The March because women have come a long way to obtain the rights that we have today. They have fought, they have struggled and many have lost their lives trying to gain respect, civil rights and equality in this country and around the world. I wish I could be there with you all, my heart is with all of you. Lets move forward! Together we are strong! Together We Stand!!! Thank you for this opportunity to be part of The March.
Heather Howe
Why I Am Joining The March : I have a rare genetic disorder and became disabled from Lyme disease in my early twenties. I am joining the march to protest President Trump, VP Pence and their dangerous stance towards women’s and LGBTQ rights. Because I wasn’t able to get insured before the ACA due to pre-existing conditions, my illness and lack of government recognition (no financial disability despite disability!) has ruined my family financially- having to pay out of pocket for costly treatments to keep me alive and out of excruciating pain. I am appalled at Trump’s mockery of the disabled, his disgusting sexism, racism, and xenophobia. His climate change denial is calamitous to the world, his cabinet choices are dangerously unqualified, as he is dangerously unqualified to be our Commander in Chief. It was civic ignorance and Russian interference in our election that gave this man the Presidency. Those manufacturing jobs went the way of agriculture — to robots, and are not coming back. Ya got conned ‘merica. Anger and ignorance elected Donald Trump. To quote Justice Souter “I don’t worry about our losing republican government in the United States because I’m afraid of a foreign invasion. I don’t worry about it because I think there is going to be a coup by the military as has happened in some of other places. What I worry about is that when problems are not addressed, people will not know who is responsible. And when the problems get bad enough, as they might do, for example, with another serious terrorist attack, as they might do with another financial meltdown, some one person will come forward and say, ‘Give me total power and I will solve this problem.’ That is the way democracy dies. And if something is not done to improve the level of civic knowledge, that is what you should worry about at night.”
Our “democracy”, our civil rights, our environment, advances in science, and education are all under attack.
I will fight, in every way I can to keep those around me politically aware and socially conscious. I will vote progressive, and never stop speaking out against injustice and discrimination. I will continue advocacy for the Lyme community, ME/CFS and other “invisible illnesses” so that we may finally have government recognition and research money so that one day, these devastating illnesses can be cured.

 

Name: Amit Sharma
Why I Am Joining The March : Because empowerment of all women will empower the humanity

Andrea: I march because I don’t know what to tell my students about their future. I march because I need my two young sons to know that it is not ok to say the things their president says…that it is not “just talk.” I march because the progress we’ve made feels like it’s eroding beneath my feet. I march because I just don’t know what else to do anymore.

Name: Skye Smith
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining this march to support my fellow friends and community who have disabilities. I recently had gallbladder surgery and developed severe gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach) and symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome as a complication. I would have loved to participate in person but cannot because of my digestive and eye issues. I believe that this community is beautiful and our voices should be heard. Prior to this surgery, I worked for nearly 20 years as a school psychologist, helping others. I believe we need to support one another now more than ever.

 

Name: Una Alexis
Why I Am Joining The March : I suffer with a life long chronic rare illness called Sphincter of the Oddi. It is debilitating and without controlled drugs daily I would be incapable of having a life and just existing.
Lets support all those with disabilities

 

Name: Liza DiSavino
Why I Am Joining The March : I am “marching” to stop our nation from turning into a fascist country. I had surgery three days ago and sadly cannot go.

 

Name: Jodi Duke
Why I Am Joining The March : I have chronic medical conditions that prevent me from attending the march in person, so thank you for making this available. I march for the rights that Americans have fought for over the past decades, which are now in danger of being reversed. I march for my students with autism and all people with disabilities, as we enter a time in which leaders of this country have not heard of IDEA. I march for my friends and family who have waited their entire lives for marriage equality. I march for my children, in the hopes that we leave this world, and this great country, stronger and more accepting of differences.
My name is Shauna. I am a mother of two and I am chronically ill with a Mast Cell Activation Disorder, a disorder where the body’s mast cells can trigger serious, and even life threatening, allergic reactions to nearly anything, from foods to low blood sugar to hot shower water.  As a result, I can rarely be around people for long (I have reactions to the scents from their hygiene products), or go outside in inclement weather (I react to the cold), and will likely be unable to march, although I am truly hoping that I might be able to pull it off.

I want to march because the incoming administration has made it clear that most of what I hold dear, it actively seems to hold in contempt, and I want them to know that we are watching, and we will not stop fighting for them. Our responsibility to take care of our environment, women’s rights, minority rights, religious freedom, GLBTQA rights, and even our rights as citizens to participate, unimpeded, in our government – these are being actively ignored, dismissed as unimportant, or outright attacked.

 

Name: Sarah Raineri
Why I Am Joining The March : I stand in solidarity with human rights. My body can’t march I would love to see it!

 

Name: Rebecca Romani
Why I Am Joining The March : I can’t physically March because I just had a heart operation to fix a congenital heart condition. However, I am with this March for my great-grandmother who campaigned for the right of women to vote and for my young nieces too young to vote. I want full rights for them and for all my fellow women of all backgrounds, religious persuasions, and sexual orientation. Women are 1/2 this nation and yet they still suffer the majority of sexual, physical, and economic violence- and women of color, LGBT, and differently abled are especially vulnerable. We cannot and will not allow this to continue. A society that does not treat its women with respect and dignity is no society.

 

Name: Carolyn Clark
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the march because I want to see healthcare and equal rights for everyone in America. I want to see our sexual predator President called out for who he is, as well.

 

Name: Karen
Why I Am Joining The March : Donald Trump is not my president

 

Name: Barbara Boronkay
Why I Am Joining The March : I am an 81 year old former teacher. I am now disabled and am sorry I can’t join the march, but my daughter and daughter-in-law are marching for me. I am supporting my protest in the only ways we handicapped can do it, i.e. by signing petitions, sending money and doing whatever I can to help these wonderful men and women who are demonstrating for those of us unable to do it physically. He can never be my president.

 

Name: Linda Karson
Why I Am Joining The March : I have a husband with Parkinsons and need to be here, the caretaker who comes to help will not be here long enough for me to feel comfortable that I will be back in time. Would love to be there more than anything but my spirit will be with you.

 

Name: Louise A. Rasmussen
Why I Am Joining The March : I have Post polio syndrome which limits my mobility and physical stamina. However I stand in solidarity with all women marching on the 21st…Especially my adult daughters.

 

Name: Erica Neils
Why I Am Joining The March : I support equal rights for women, the LGBT community, immigrants and disabled and believe that Trump does not represent most Americans. He is a crass and unworthy man for the position of president. We need to spread love not hate. I have a back injury and social anxiety to large crowds which make me unable to march in person.

Name: Hilary
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the The March with my husband, Bruce, as a married couple with disabilities. Together we live, laugh and love each other while coping with the often painful and limiting circumstances of his chronic physical disability, multiple sclerosis, and my difficult bouts of insomnia, mania and mood swings stemming from my mental health condition. We have been living with these “pre conditions” for many years and had for the most part been covered through our employer negotiated insurance. About six years ago Bruce’s mobility declined and he became permanently disabled. Despite being “awarded” the determination of being permanently disabled, Bruce had to wait two years to be eligible for Medi-care as required by law. We were blessed to have insurance through my non profit employer. When Bruce’s mobility declined to where he could no longer ambulate without the use of a wheelchair, my own mental health took a decline. I became a frazzled, worn-down insomniac. I took some time off to regroup and manage a major remodeling to accommodate wheelchair access. The family leave ran out, next the Cobra insurance period ended, and that’s when I was fortunate to have the SAFETY NET of Covered California, aka, the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare come to my rescue! In September of last year I was hired by a non profit, Community Action of Marin as a Peer Case Manager, and in December I became elgible for their medical insurance plans. I am grateful to be working for a non profit company, Community Action of Marin, that values the person who I have become due to my journey with my disability and a County, Marin, that encourages me to walk alongside my people, people with disabilities.
Oh how I want to be in that number, with the Saints of tomorrow as they march for all things righteous and good!!
Bruce and I are so Blessed! Blessed to be marching alongside each other on this life! And even though he can only virtually march, as he is now bed-ridden, we will be marching with all of our senses tomorrow.

 

Name: McKenzie
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the march because I believe that all men and women are created equally.

 

Name: Biddi Kings

Why I Am Joining The March : I can’t be there in person but I am there in spirit. If no-one else will stand up to Donald Trump, I guess that has to be me! Powerful women are a force for change throughout the world, united and collaborative we can stand together against the underlying fascism that threatens to overtake the world.

 

Name: fireUrchin
Why I Am Joining The March : Although I am still doing my best to stay mobile and active as possible, my experience of being in marches over the years has shown me, they moved too fast for me to keep up in 2004. Now it is totally beyond me, and the pain level is up and down, but never fully gone. I have done a lot to slow down deterioration of my mobility while advanced osteoarthritis continues to do its own march. I do PT exercises every day, deep relaxation and somatic breathing, healing music. I take various supplements daily, and I now get steroid cortisone injections 3-4 times a year, since there is nothing else that can be done short of surgery that is not fully indicated or positively has better results.
I am 62, though if people don’t see me walk, they often tell me they thought I was younger. I have seen a lot of things, however, in almost 63 years. If I wake up and have a good pain day, I will try to go to a somewhat local rally, though standing in place for a long time is not so good usually either. I would like to see up close my sisters and brothers, all gender forms in community standing together for what is important – rights for women – rights for all humans – with equity and equality – with respect – and collectively to form a powerful voice holding firmly the line on what is expected and demanded for women, especially about the bodies of women – from how baby girls are treated, how trans women are treated, how reproduction belongs to a woman’s body, how sex is a choice that a woman can say yes or no or maybe in the future and be safe at any age, about jobs, about all this and more also related to women no matter what their physical health status.
I was a teacher for about 30 years, and I retired early mostly because my health made it too painful to walk down long hard floors, stand on them, sit on hard chairs, for the length of day a teacher works.
This does not make me useless, and I am not even on disability . Likely the majority of women with disabling or increasingly disabling conditions like my own are either receiving a pension, or doing a job. Many of us are working without pay at either volunteer jobs, community leadership, little jobs that don’t really pay to live on, or helping care for children in the family.
I am doing two things with much of my time of creative nature. I continue to facilitate a not-for-profit – BioLUMINosity – a deeply relaxing movement journey that anyone can do at their own level of movement, as I have done since 2004. I create evocative playlists from music sourced from all around the world, bringing the rhythms of cultures into the energy centers in the body. My first degree was in illustration, and I am also pursuing the career I had originally hoped to achieve before children needed supporting. My pictures and writing into books for children primarily, with a strong love of diversity representation, animals and nature threaded through my work.
I am also starting to collaborate with others interested in how we can use embodiment and expressive arts working with community for release of the blockages our political situation presents, to build our resilience, bring more joy into our activism, and to work on the deep inner blocks we hold around identity and inclusion of all types.

My daughter is proudly going to the march in DC. She has MS, presently not advanced, and friends and family with her to march and support her if needed.
She works as a licensed massage therapist in a cancer hospital relieving others of their pain through lymphatic drainage massage. She is just one more example of women doing great things beyond the expectation of those who have small understanding of chronic health issues, and the will of women wanting to help, serve, create, and live in a world that is safe, healthy, free.

Women’s health issues are human health issues.
It is so important we include all women – all humans – in the faces and voices of our concerns. I include all humans, because, it is women who bring all life into this world. Men exist because of the work our bodies do, and are raised by those who have a will to continue giving, working, and sharing the greatest work of all – raising humans to be loving beings who can take care of themselves and others.

 

Name: Mary Tamargo
Why I Am Joining The March : I’m against the hateful rhetoric, fake news, Russian involvemen, and every aspect of the Trump campaign. I fear that the strides we’ve made will be extinguished. If we Unite We can overcome this darkness that Trump brings to our Country . Each one of us can be a flicker of light that becomes a bright star and love Will be the light that trumps hate!
Just out of curiosity, whose job was affected today, thanks to President Trump? Mine was….And if you were pre-approved for an FHA loan with the reduced MIP cost, guess what? The reduced MIP program has now been suspended! Thank your President for taking away your ability to buy a home…. I’ve been silent on FB about this election, but after hearing his speech today, then having him take the ability for some to buy a home away an hour later, I just had to say something….. And so it begins.

 

Name: Connie Dean
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining this March to support civil rights for all marginalized groups. Also to show my granddaughters that women are valuable and can have a voice in their society.

 

Name: Kim
Why I Am Joining The March : My husband’s disability keeps me from joining my local march in SJ, CA today, so I am participating here. We both march to show solidarity with others in the minority community, the disabled, LGBT and religious minorities threatened by the incoming administration. We will not let fear, hate and violence become the norm in our country. #TheResistance.

 

Name: Tiggy
Why I Am Joining The March : Chronically ill peep from the UK who stands in solidarity with all those marching. Stay safe!

 

Name: Allie Collins
Why I Am Joining The March : Because my partner will suffer under this new president. Because no person should have to worry for their safety. Everyone deserves to be able to access health care and birth control.

 

Name: Valari Elardo
Why I Am Joining The March : Decades of progress for All Americans is now threatened by one self-centered , short-sighted, immature, mentally unstable and and vindictive new President. Now retired due to disabilities, I’m unable to march in person but I want to take a stand.

 

Name: Debby Cazarez
Why I Am Joining The March : I just can not accept what he has done and said to and about women. I can’t accept that our country is here doing this right now. It’s so hard to see this man as the leader of the most powerful country in the world.

 

Name: Sarah
Why I Am Joining The March : For all women and young girls and for equality.

 

Name: Jenny
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining the march because there is power in numbers and the unity of sisterhood is sacred. We must, as women , stand together in this terrifying time. We must make ourselves heard. That this incoming administration will not bully us back into second-class status. We march for ourselves, our future and the future of our daughters *and* sons

 

Name: Violeta Kondovski
Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining because I am appalled by women’s rights and the rights of us less able. Especially if we are women because we are taken far less serious by doctors and the public. I am marching online and not in person because of my endometriosis which has left me unable in constant debilitating pain and unable to work and to stand or walk for more then a few minutes. I wish so much I could physically March for all my endo sisters who have lost their lives.