I shared these photos on our Twitter & Instagram yesterday, and I’m sharing them here with the full story as an in-under-the-wire Sunday-not-selfie-but-very-self-indulgent.
I wasn’t sure I could go to the march considering the unpredictable schedule and disposition of eight-week-old Star Baby, but I didn’t want to go alone, either. I wasn’t going to make a poster, until I realized the morning of that I had rainbow holographic poster letters and a basement full of cardboard, including some already spray painted (from this project). I was hoping to join up with the Women in Natural Science group from @amnhnyc, but we ended up getting to Grand Central Terminal way after they were scheduled to march. Nevertheless, I decided my signs would represent science - not necessarily the most pressing cause considering the violence and oppression faced by women (especially women of color, LGBTQIA women, and disabled women, for example) for their inherent identity, not just their profession, but still, science is something I can contribute.
“Science is Real” was inspired by They Might Be Giants, and apparently isn’t taken as a given by the people now in charge of our country despite it crucial importance for climate change, vaccinations, energy, education, and more. “Scientists Grab Back” is a nod to #astroSH, or the more visible discussion of harassment in the astronomy research community lead by some of my brave colleagues. Both sides of the sign garnered positive responses, even though I wasn’t as clever as fellow astronomer Dr. Aki Roberge who marched in DC!
And since this is a fashion blog, I’m wearing the Tarantula nebula scarf from @theslowfactory-blog and #ThatOtherShirt aka STEM: Women are all over It shirt, and a North Face galaxy jacket.
Thanks to my husband for taking the photos, Star Baby for sleeping soundly, and you, dear readers for listening to my story, I hope you all have a chance to make your own and share it with the Universe.
–Emily