This was the march in Oakland, CA. Tens of thousands of people. I think the cops said 60,000 which seems very conservative to me; dunno about the organizers' estimate. At the beginning point, I hear it took an hour to go one block. Folks joined at various points. It sure seemed as big as an SF Pride parade but with most participants here Baby Boomers, but also many little ones in strollers. The sartorial theme was pink pussy hats, but I've never found a hat to work on my head; it's hard enough for me to have an Adequate Hair Day.
Oakland has had its share of violent protests, mostly due to an anarchist element from out of town. Not counting a few vigils, this is the first march (other than as a Pride ally with my church) I've participated in since the Vietnam War. I knew it would be safe and family friendly, but wore a kerchief around my neck *just in case* there would be tear gas. We marched by Oakland's main library, and staff opened up their own bathroom since the regular public restrooms had long lines. (We were instructed not to pass up opportunities to relieve ourselves!)
