The 20th annual New York City Dyke March is June 23, less than a month away! The Dyke March is a protest without a permit, an expression of the need to claim space in the name of visibility and equality for all self-identified dykes and women.
The first Dyke March, organized by the Lesbian Avengers, took place in April 1993 in D.C., and an estimated 20,000 dykes showed up. In June of '93, the Lesbian Avengers organized an additional march in New York City. Every year since then, thousands of dykes march together down Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Washington Square Park -- and there are now Dyke Marches all over the world.
This year, the committee of the NYC Dyke March hopes to again see 20,000 dykes marching together, if not more. The theme for 2012 is "Every Dyke Is a Hero," in honor of all the heroic dykes who lead visible and vibrant lives, creating strong communities by loving and caring for each other.
In the weeks leading up to the march, there is a wide range of benefit events, with something for everyone. Do you like live music? Are you interested in history? Are you looking for a great party with cute dykes? The NYC Dyke March committee has got you covered.
June 2: Dyke March Music Show Fundraiser
Location: Public Assembly
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Description: An afternoon of rock, synth-pop, and folk music featuring Sierra West, Julia Weldon, Allison Weiss, and Mitten. All ages welcome.
June 7: Stonewall Happy Hour Raffle
Location: The Stonewall Inn
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Description: Grab a drink and enter to win fabulous raffle prizes!
June 12: NYC Dyke March Retrospective
Location: The LGBT Center
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Description: Showcasing the past 20 years of herstory through images, banners, T-shirts, stories, videos, and a panel featuring Dyke March Committee members past and present.
June 21: Variety Show
Location: The LGBT Center
Time: 7 p.m.
Description: Spoken word poetry, dance, burlesque, and more.
June 23: The Official NYC Dyke March After Party
Location: Ginger's Bar
Time: 8 p.m.
Description: There's a lot to do after the march, but this is the only officially sponsored Dyke March after party, where the cover charge is donated directly to the march. You can also purchase this year's marshal T-shirt!
If you're interested in getting involved, the best way to do so is to be a marshal. You'll help keep the marchers safe and informed, keep the march moving, and meet other dykes. To become a marshal, you must attend one of two marshal trainings: Thursday, June 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bluestockings Bookstore & Cafe, or Saturday, June 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the LGBT Center.
Please note: In the spirit of dyke visibility and the creation of a safe space for people who identify as dykes and/or women, allies of the marchers are invited to cheer from the sidelines.
For more information, check out the NYC Dyke March website and follow @NYCDykeMarch on Twitter. Use the hashtag #everydykeisahero to show your support!