Buffalo's Dyke March Shows Community Solidarity

Dyke March in Buffalo Shows Community Solidarity
By:  Joe Stabb

Over 200 individuals paraded in the Dyke March in Buffalo, NY, on May 31, 2014, in a show of solidarity.  The purpose of a Dyke March is to increase lesbian visibility and activism and have grown to be more inclusive of all womem-loving-women regardless of labels, including bisexual, intersex, and transgender women.

“We march all together, “ says Harper Bishop, 29, volunteer organizer. “This is an overtly political statement for women to express themselves against the mysogyn in places where women are not able to express themselves.”

This event is about women claiming their space, being visible in that space, and going into their daily lives expecting and receiving the respect that they deserve.

For several years, the Dyke March has been growing.  In 2013, there were just under 100 participants in the march.

“This is the only thing I have,” says Phirom, 31, marching participant.  “It is empowering being around everyone that relates to the struggle.”

Some participants are here attending for the first time.  According to Chloe, 25, marching participant, she is, “excited to see people embracing their differences and similarities.  To celebrate the queer scene in Buffalo.”

Or, Rachel, 27, marching participant, who moved to Buffalo less than a year ago from Atlanta, says, “Buffalo seems to have more open spaces for LGBT individuals.  It is a good time to be here and live your life.  This is a community of many identities.”

For more information on the history of the Dyke March in the United States, visit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyke_March

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