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On January 21st, the world took part in the largest political demonstration since the anti-Vietnam war protests. In Washington, D.C. alone, 500,000 people stood together to defend safety, oppose the political positions of Donald Trump, protest opposition to deportment, protect rights and support the healthcare decisions of many.

I ventured to New York, where the local march was set to stop just before Trump Tower. After spending the first part of the weekend playing tourist, it felt important to see and be a part of history, even in some small part. And I wasn't the only one who felt that way. City girls everywhere mobilized and it was energizing to watch.

Here are a few of their stories:

Amber, 25 (Washington, D.C.)

For centuries, people who have been deemed "lesser" for arbitrary reasons have seen injustices in the form of discrimination, isolation, violence, and death. With this new administration in the US and a global recurrence of right-wing policies, it's high time for us -- as women, as LGBTQ people, as POC and their allies, as the working class -- to rise together to form an intersectional front to resist and push away tyranny. As the chant goes, "The people united will never be defeated!"-onlytruemagic.wordpress.com

Angela, 26 (Los Angeles)

I went to the Women's March in Los Angeles to speak out for women's equality and reproductive rights...I have never witnessed a march where all races, gender, and religion came together and pushed for the same thing: EQUALITY. -gogypset.com

Bitsy, 21 (Boston)

I participated in the Boston Women's March for America because, as Hillary Clinton said, "Women's rights are human rights." I'll continue the fight until we are finally seen as equals.-bitsofstyleblog.com

Caitlin, 22 (Chicago)

I marched because I want women's rights to be continued to be respected, not tossed aside. I also want my friends and family members who are Muslim, Hispanic, LGBT or any other minority that has been targeted by the rhetoric of divisive politics to feel supported. Ultimately, I want our president to see that we ALL want to support him, if he will support ALL of us.-sophisticaition.com

Lauren, 28 (Washington, D.C.)

I marched to show support for women's rights including accessible healthcare, equal rights for all people, as well as to show support for environmental protections in this great country. 

Natalie, 18 (Washington, D.C.)

I marched for several different reasons that include: the lives, well-being, safety, healthcare, equal pay, equal treatment, and overall equality of women; the lives, well-being, safety, equal treatment, rights (including anti-discrimination, marriage, etc), and representation of the LGBTQ+ community, and the ability for them to love whomever they choose; the lives, well-being, safety, rights, and representation of all marginalized ethnic, racial, and religious groups (including black people, Latinxs, Muslims, and indiginous people); and MUCH more, including environmental issues (climate change and the water situation in Flint, Michigan only being a few), rape culture, the treatment of women in prison, and the screwed up justice system. Identifying with two of these marginalized groups (a woman and a part of the LGBTQ+ community), I felt the need to unite with other people who share my same beliefs to prove that peaceful protests really do work to fight against the new administration.-fracturedaesthetic.com

Tracey, 24 (Chicago)

I marched for ALL people who are oppressed and treated as inferior or unfairly under the current presidential administration. I marched because everyone deserves basic equality and respect as a human being. I marched because I needed a positive experience during a time of negativity and hatred. I marched because I believe we can be a better, more inclusive country.-thewelcomewoman.com