[image error]I’m your standard author – a painfully introverted little flower. I barely engage in political discussion, to say nothing of debate or actual protest rallies. But today was my first political march and rally! I was at the tail end (thanks to a really, really long bathroom line) of the Sacramento Women’s March.

Just Thursday, I had to sit down with some of my friends to discuss a group vacation we have planned because I’m so much an introvert that I barely like leaving the house. I’m usually tied to my computer and I like it that way. I love what I do with a nerdy passion.

And then… Trump. I have friends who voted for him. I don’t understand, though I’ve tried. I’m not angry – I’m sad. I think Trump took advantage of people’s pain and fear to put himself in power. I’m pretty damned sure that this egomaniacal asshat is going to hurt the ones who love him, too.

BUT! But that’s not the point. This post isn’t about the politics. It’s about the march today!

I’ve always been scared to attend a political rally. I’m introverted and bad with crowds. I’m frightened by the footage I see online of protesters and police alike getting out of control. I’m afraid of being screamed at by counter-protesters or having to defend my basic rights to the police. When I left today for downtown Sacramento, I made sure to wear nothing that could be easily grabbed or ripped. I turned off the thumbprint unlock on my phone, since I had been told that police could require my fingerprint but not my passcode. I was as ready as I could make myself to face hostility and fear.

There was none of that. Today was amazing. Everyone I met was kind and supportive. We cheered and chanted and sang together. The train down into the city was full to bursting by the third stop and we had to pass half a dozen other stations without picking anyone up; at every one of them, men and women in pink hats cheered and waved to us. Police were stationed at every intersection of our march – most of them were women and every single one smiled and returned our waves and thanks as we passed. None of them were in body armor or riot gear. We all stood back when a fire truck needed to get through and cheered as it did. There were lots of people marching with the assistance of walkers, wheelchairs and pushing strollers. There were 20,000 of us – Sacramento was one of the smaller marches – but everyone I saw made sure to make room for anyone who needed it. Protesters were respectful when approaching those who had brought animals and asked politely before petting. I’ve never heard so many ‘Excuse me’s’ and ‘thank you’s’ as while navigating the crowd today.

Today wasn’t frightening. Today was positive and empowering. This introvert is exhausted and her throat hurts from cheering so much and is so happy she went.