On January 21st, 2017, I joined the Women's March on Washington in NYC (#SisterMarch). Alongside my sister (yes!) we walked, danced, and sent our energy to the world.
The March was a peaceful protest for Human Rights, Women's Rights, equality, mutual respect, and love. Over 200,000 people showed up in NYC alone. The vibe was warm, hopeful, and loving.
There is a populist and nationalist trend going on globally, especially in the countries which are dear and near to my heart due to my upbringing and personal path. Humans are grouped and simplified by historically and socially derogative definitions. Three words affect me directly: woman, immigrant, and Muslim. I marched because people are so much more. I am more than these three words. I am a female, a woman, but I am human first and foremost. I am an immigrant, but I am a citizen o the world who speaks 3-4 languages, expands her cultural skills, contributes with volunteer work, and offers a glimpse into a whole new world by being myself. And last but not least: I am a non-religious spiritual human, who grew up in a Muslim family. My parents never allowed me to separate. There was never a 'them' and 'us'. I grew up with Christians, Jews, Atheists, and many other believers and non-believers. My religion is ever-moving and evolving, an intersection of love, light, and respect.
More than once in my life I was yelled at as 'you're a woman', 'dirty immigrant, 'what are you doing here', or 'you lazy asocial'. Not because they knew me personally, but because they learned to define with simple words based on my looks. Because someone taught them that a certain look equals something 'bad' or 'less worthy'. I marched to teach differently and to promote different, kind-hearted, tolerant speeches.
Hate is exhausting, makes you ugly, and ages you faster. Just stop. Also, diversity is not a threat, it's a gift. How boring would the world be, if we were all the same? I know we inherently have a dysfunctioning brain that chooses the easiest ways of being. Hate is easy and being good is hard work, but once you get the hang of it, it is much better, much more fun and you look amazing!
Sending all my love to every one of you.
