2017 NYC WOMEN’S MARCH

“And when you’re a star, they [women] let you do it. You can do anything […] Grab ‘em by the pussy. You can do anything.” -Former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump

In 2016, the United States had a historic opportunity to follow the election of its first African American president, Barack Obama, with the election of its first potential female president, Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton was widely seen as the most legitimate candidate in the field. Other than carrying a law degree from one of the most respected institutions in the world, Yale, she also spent her entire career as a public servant. She served in just about every aspect of local, state, and country politics one could serve, including being a First Lady. She toughed her career out in a male-dominated field, constantly and more harshly judged. Even in her time as First Lady, she was criticized for keeping her family together by staying with her husband after one of the most publicized extramarital affairs of this historical era. By all means, she knew what she was doing and also had the unique experience of the Presidency already. Yet, some of her political missteps - as well as easy access to Photoshop and social media - were enough for international political parties to influence the election of Donald J. Trump. Clinton won the popular vote, but Trump won the electoral college. The irony was that the safety net political system that Trump detested and made fun of is what saved his campaign.

Trump is a New York-born real estate business owner and entertainer. He is known for being bombastic, brash, with unfiltered dialogue, having no political career, and cheating on his wife. While Trump did graduate from the prestigious Wharton School at UPenn (after transferring in), his lawyer threatened the school if it ever publicly released his academic records. He also dodged a draft. In his time as president, he appointed the right-leaning Supreme Court Judges that helped repeal Roe V. Wade, which was a fundamental piece of law for protecting many female reproductive rights in this country. His election roiled up millions of women fueling demonstrations across the country over the years.

Initially, I struggled to understand how I could help amplify their voices as a cis white man. Until I remembered my camera. So, I joined their march with the most powerful tool I had.