Pride: Dyke March unites women, allies


MORE INFORMATION:

Dyke March Pre-Party Social & Crafting Get Down
3:15-5:30 p.m. at the Charles Allen Gate
Piedmont Park

Dyke March
5:30 p.m. assembly; 6 p.m. step off
Charles Allen Gate

Dyke marches started locally in the mid-1990s; they were originally organized by the Lesbian Avengers.

This year the march gathers at 5:30 p.m. and begins at 6 p.m.  It steps off from the Charles Allen gate, travels down 10th Street, turns onto Peachtree Street, turns onto 14th Street, and then re-enters the park at the 14th Street gate. Last year, 500 people participated in the march, according to Green-Fergerson.

New for the Dyke March will be a trolley to transport people who cannot or would have a hard time marching. Seats for the trolley will be given out on a first come, first served basis with priority going to those with mobility challenges, elders, and families with young children, Green-Fergerson said.

One of the 2012 Parade Grand Marshals, Julie Kubala, was one of the organizers for the first Atlanta Dyke March. 

While other Prides host dyke marches that are dyke-only spaces, the Atlanta Dyke March invites allies to join.

“If you’re an ally, we ask that you march with us if you support dykes politically, socially, and holistically,” Green-Fergerson said.  “We ask that you respect our need to be visible and lead the demonstration.”

 

Top photo: The raucous Dyke March is more overtly political than Sunday’s Pride parade. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)