Photos: Thousands of Vancouverites flock downtown in support of Women’s March on Washington

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      This morning (January 21), thousands of Vancouverites flocked to Jack Poole Plaza to stand in solidarity with those participating in the Women’s March on Washington.

      The event served to champion the liberties of all those attacked, mocked, and demonized during Donald Trump’s election campaign and to send a message to the newly sworn-in president and similar thinking factions that acts of hate and discrimination will not be tolerated.

      Organizers estimate that 15,000 to 20,000 Vancouverites turned out for the rally. Leading up to the demonstration, over 8,000 people had RSVP’d.

      Many toted signs advocating for the dismantling of patriarchy; LGBT rights; the takedown of white supremacy; the reproductive rights of women; the value of Black, Indigenous, and other oppressed bodies; action on climate change; and more. Many others wore pink “pussyhats”, hand-knit caps decorated with peaks resembling cat ears that nod to—and reclaim—Trump’s misogynistic remarks.

      The crowd grew so large that citizens spilled onto the Shaw Tower and Fairmont Pacific Rim properties across the street. Various roads in the downtown core were also shut down to vehicle traffic.

      The protest began at Jack Poole Plaza at 10 a.m., where attendees heard speeches from the likes of Musqueam Band member Rhiannon Bennett, Indigenous language advocate Khelsilem, human-rights activist Nancy Trigueros, and Vancouver City councillor Heather Deal. 

      Participants then proceeded to march past the U.S. Consulate on West Pender Street and Trump International Hotel & Tower on West Georgia Street before returning to the plaza, where Vancouver-based country-music trio the Heels, artist and activist Jodie Ortega, and other figures took to the stage.

      Check out the images below for a snapshot of the rally and the thousands of people who showed up for the event.

      With signs in hand, thousands attended Vancouver's Women's March on Washington at Jack Poole Plaza.
      Amanda Siebert
      Georgia Straight staff were happy to find a sign supporting press freedom.
      Amanda Siebert
      Men, women, and children filled the area surrounding the Convention Centre beneath Douglas Coupland's Digital Orca.
      Amanda Siebert
      Eagerly awaiting the start of the march.
      Amanda Siebert
      Despite the name of the march, thousands of men marched in solidarity.
      Amanda Siebert
      Crowds listened as Councillor Heather Deal spoke at Jack Poole Plaza.
      Amanda Siebert
      An abundance of creative and witty signs spoke to numerous causes.
      Amanda Siebert
      A+ for originality on this one.
      Amanda Siebert
      These men proudly shared their support for women.
      Amanda Siebert
      Many attendees wore pink tuques or "pussyhats" to the march.
      Amanda Siebert
      Simple, yet effective.
      Amanda Siebert
      Straight staffers Lucy Lau, Janet McDonald, and Kate Wilson were happy to take part.
      Amanda Siebert
      Bonus points for creative use of giant googly eyes.
      Amanda Siebert
      Plenty of pride flags and signs showing support for LGBTQ communities could be seen among the crowds.
      Amanda Siebert
      Proudly embracing equal rights.
      Amanda Siebert
      A view from the stage area at Jack Poole Plaza.
      Amanda Siebert
      These women rocked pins that read, 'Nasty Woman Proud'.
      Amanda Siebert
      An important message about feminism. (Is it anti-racist? Against classism? Trans-inclusive?)
      Amanda Siebert
      The North Shore mountains provided a stellar back drop for the thousands who gathered at Jack Poole Plaza.
      Amanda Siebert
      Oprah Winfrey made an appearance at the march, thanks to this couple's custom-made shirts.
      Amanda Siebert
      More women rocking homemade pussyhats.
      Amanda Siebert
      One of many signs bearing the slogan.
      Amanda Siebert
      An encouraging message.
      Amanda Siebert
      This group had a message for women around the world.
      Amanda Siebert
      Attendees marched toward the U.S. Consulate and Trump Tower.
      Amanda Siebert
      Many signs spoke to climate change and environmentalism.
      Amanda Siebert
      During the march, attendees took a stand outside the Trump Tower.
      Amanda Siebert
      Marching outside the Trump Tower.
      Amanda Siebert
      Many women had messages for people who might have an issue with the word, 'feminist'.
      Amanda Siebert
      This group marched and chanted as they passed the Trump Tower.
      Amanda Siebert
      In solidarity with people of colour.
      Amanda Siebert
      One of many brilliantly illustrated posters.
      Amanda Siebert

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