“And when you’re a star, they let you do it.  You can do anything.”

“Grab them by the pussy.  You can do anything.”

   President Donald Trump, 2005.

I recall a crotch-grabbing incident in a Dublin nightclub in 2007 where a young man was promptly escorted off the premises by a bouncer after he openly grabbed a girl by the vagina as she walked by with her sister.

That girl was me. I wasn’t okay with it and let me tell you, it wasn’t because he wasn’t a star.

Being one of those pesky immigrants (we really are dreadful human beings) and unable to vote in the recent Presidential election - politics aside - I felt was my duty as a woman to participate in the women’s march on Saturday, in protest not only of Mr. Trump’s catalogued and blatant disrespect for women, but of the wider existence of that misogynistic mindset globally.

And so to illustrate the anti-crotch-grabbing-anti-misogyny-and-sexism message (this list is not exhaustive), I turned to my trusted, non-discriminatory, most reliable old friend to help me out.

F.A.S.H.I.O.N.

Emmmm...EXCUUUUUSE MEEEEE???!!!

In the renowned words of 90s pop heroes The Spice Girls:

I said who do you think you are
Oh, oh (do you think you are, I said)
Ooh some kind of superstar?

Wait, that’s right, you do.  More specifically, a reality TV star who has (beyond all reasonable comprehension) managed to maneuver his way into the most powerful position of office in the United States of America.

As my father would say, ‘the mind boggles.’

I’m a woman and I know I may look young, but believe it or not, I was around in 2005.  I know. The mind boggles. And I know that if I’d had the misfortune to encounter the now-President at that time, I wouldn’t have entertained him for a second, for his pomp and arrogance -  least of all for a swift drop of the hand to the vagina.

Discount Universe’s sequin embellished ‘crying eyes’ crop top and ‘mouth and braces’ mini skirt were made for the occasion. Almost like they knew.  

I’m almost set. Sherpa is obvs coming too. (Sherpa is womankind’s biggest fan)  

We get creative on the L train with backing board and metallic markers. The message is clear and concise.

PUSSY BITES BACK.

That’s right Mr. Trump and the world’s other misogynistic men. Read it. Take note.

On the 6 uptown (no sign of J-Lo), fellow marchers take the protest look in and hi fives ensue.

It’s off at 51st street and beeline towards 5th Ave.  The crowds and energy are incredible. Like St. Patrick’s Day with without drunkards or sectarian messages. (So much better)

Seas of women. Men. Children. Signs. Sculptures. Creativity at its finest in the shape of a golden shower made with tinsel. (I couldn’t tell if its creator was Russian)

A feeling of solidarity.

Pussy Bites Back is quite the showstopper.  A visual protest of the full body variety.  And there is full support of the effort.  

Photos. Photos. Cheers and chants.  

I march, proud to be a woman. Knowing what I’m capable of. Grateful to be able to see those in power for what they are. And optimistic that the people will prevail.

It’s the first women’s march but it won’t be the last.

WE SHALL OVERCOMB.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS (in order of appearance)

Drop of the hand / Drop the hand - Irish English for grabbing the crotch area of either a male or female.  Commonly heard conversation between two Irish people when referring to a liaison between two people (not necessarily romantic)  “Did you drop the hand?” “Then she dropped the hand.”

Bouncer - Irish English for ‘doorman’.  A big guy who throws you out of a bar or a club when you misbehave.

WEARING:

Sequin Crying Eyes Crop Top: Discount Universe / Sequin Mouth and Braces Mini: Discount Universe / Silver Sequin Long Sleeve Top: Topshop / Sandals: Topshop / Sparkly Socks: Topshop / Lips Glasses: Austin, Texas / Gemma Necklace: Haus of Dizzy / Pussy Bites Back Sign: Corbin Sherpa Chase