Dyke March NYC

Now in its 17th year, the Dyke March NYC is a protest, not a parade. The people who participate in this annual event are motivated by a desire to increase their visibility and make their voices heard.

Thousands of dykes take over the streets every year in celebration of lesbians and to protest against ongoing discrimination, harassment, and anti-lesbian violence in schools, on the job, in our families, and on the streets.

The march goes down Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Washington Square. While the organizers never obtain permits for the march, the NYPD takes a rather benevolent view. All along the route, police officers block traffic, pose for photos, wave and generally enjoy Dyke March duty.

Even though it rained during most of the march, one police officer remarked, “Watching these women is the highlight of my week.” I hope you agree.

Police cars lead the way

Police and marshalls stop traffic

Here come the marchers

Drummers keep the beat

The rain didn’t dampen spirits

Finally, the storm tapered off

Marchers were drenched but happy

Very happy

Some were silly, too

Kids also participated

NYPD posing and grinning

Spectators’ signs were wet but legible

Marchers carried signs, too

You don’t need a sign to carry a message

A marshall in her “uniform”

Dancing in the street

A couple with a message

Walking in the sunshine

Visibility was important

So was togetherness

Her shirt says “I love my two moms”

The march ended at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village

These marchers were inspired by the Village People

The mood in the park was celebratory

And triumphant

Rainbows appeared everywhere

Even on flags

Veterans of past marches sat and sang together

Even visitors to the city showed their pride

Dyke March