It has been nearly a year since President Donald Trump was inaugurated — and while Trump and his administration haven't exactly been pro-women, it's still been a productive year for people fighting for equality. Both the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements challenged the status quo and encouraged women to speak out about sexual assault, pay inequality, and workplace harassment. We've made long-overdue progress since Trump's inauguration, but we still have work to do. On Jan. 20, hundreds of thousands of women across the world will protest during the 2018 Women's March. If you're going to march and aren't sure what to put on a sign, I've collected some clever 2018 Women's March sign ideas to help you out.
The 2017 Women's March on Washington faced criticism for lacking intersectionality and excluding women of color, along with trans women. (While last year's pink hats were well intended, not all women have vaginas.) For the upcoming march, participants have a chance to learn from last year's mistakes and make sure their feminism isn't exclusionary. It's also a chance to celebrate all of the work that's been done — and all of the resisting still ahead. Here are some of my favorite quotes for a Women's March sign.
1"My family came from a sh*thole country, and I'm proud of it!"
It's hard not to get angry about Trump reportedly referring to African and Caribbean nations as "sh*tholes." Not only is it overtly xenophobic, but it's also insulting to anyone with a shred of decency. Proudly show off your heritage at this year's Women's March.
2"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." — Martin Luther King Jr.
Sometimes, it feels like our protests are futile — but this quote from King reminds us that the only way to actually get equality is to demand it.
3"Still here. Still nasty. Still voting."
I doubt Trump knew what he started when he called Hillary Clinton a "nasty woman" in October 2016. The phrase was immediately reclaimed and is still being used, which makes it perfect for a Women's March sign.
4"Elect More Women."
The message is short, sweet, and to the point: We need more women in U.S. government. Elections this year will be filled with female lawmakers running for office, and this sign reminds all of your protest counterparts to do their part.
5"America never was America to me." — Langston Hughes
This moving quote from Hughes, a legendary Black poet, reminds us that the American dream has always been a myth for marginalized people.
6"It is no longer about whether Trump has any decency, but if we do."
Rather than only focusing on people currently in office, we can take a look at ourselves and see what we can do to change our nation. I'm here for it.
7"For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts." — President Barack Obama
This quote from former President Barack Obama's inaugural address is a reminder that we once had government leaders who prioritized women's rights. It's been six years since Obama shared this sentiment, and the wage gap still exists. Time's up.
8"The reasons why I march will not fit on just one sign."
This tweet has a few great sign ideas, but my favorite is the last one. When you think about all that's happened since Trump's inauguration, it's impossible to pick one reason to march in protest.
9"I can't believe we're still protesting this sh*t."
We already know that the Women's March is hugely important, but it does sometimes feel ridiculous that so many marginalized folks are still so far from equality, whether it's due to sexism, racism, homophobia, or any other discrimination.
10"'Nah. — Rosa Parks.'"
This sign is short and sweet, but it resonated with me. A lot can change once you commit to resisting the system — just look at Rosa Parks.
11"Diversity, vulnerable, evidence-based, fetus, science-based, transgender, entitlement."
When the news broke that the Trump administration was reportedly banning words like "science-based" and "diversity" at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public response was swift. This sign idea combines the words with the phrase "I resist," which is a genius way to show your support for science.
12"I love naps, but I stay woke."
This sign is cutest on a small child, but as an adult who loves naps, I feel like I could totally rock this. You probably could, too.
13"Vote like a girl."
A more accurate phrase for this poster would be, "Vote like a girl (of color)" since such a high percentage of white women voted for both Trump and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, who was accused of sexually assaulting underage women. Still, I appreciate the sentiment.
14"Women are perfect."
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt got it right when the show declared that women are "strong as hell." Show solidarity with your sign by lifting up other women.
15"This is what patriotism looks like."
When so many Americans can't grasp that peaceful protest like NFL players kneeling during the national anthem is actually patriotic, it's important to remind people that protesting is a valid way to express yourself.
No matter what sign you carry during the Women's March, go with determination and all the ferocity you can muster. We have to stay outraged about what's happening in our country even though we feel exhausted. It's the only way things will change.
