Changing The World Is Everyone’s Business

I have now experienced three rallies. It was odd at first, uncomfortable even. Standing there next to a friend, trying to fit in and not look so awkward and failing. Hundreds of people surrounding you that looked like they were meant to be here; they looked so comfortable and adamant about making a change in the world. But, once you spend a few moments taking in your surroundings, feeling the love and support, listening to everyone else’s stories, listening to whoever it is giving a speech. What was their name again? You don’t remember; you can’t put a name on the face. Your friend reminds you of who they are, yet you forget once again. Are they not important enough? Or are you just too excited to take in such information? Afterwards, you begin to realise that hey, this isn’t too bad. That everyone, including you, came here for a reason. To stand against something and, hopefully, provoke change. And we began walking and chanting and, I felt that I was a part of something; that I am someone who is able to contribute to change.
The first rally I ever attended was a marriage equality rally earlier in the year of 2017 in Sydney, Australia. It was the school holidays and I found out about the event, asked a friend if she wanted to go and off we went. It was uncomfortable and I felt very out of place at first, but as time went on, I got into it and began chanting and marching with the rest of the crowd. We hadn’t made any signs and I sort of regretted it while looking at the people who did make signs; who put the time and effort in to create such amazing and meaningful signs that cannot be forgotten and that you will most likely see at every marriage equality rally. I remember us marching down Pitt Street and being surrounded by camera crews and later watching the news and seeing my friend and I on tv along with the hundreds of other people that showed up to the rally.
The second rally I attended was a follow-up to the first women’s march that occurred in Sydney — and all over the world — earlier in 2017, that I, sadly, wasn’t able to attend. This rally was a completely different experience than the first one I attended. It was one of those quiet protests where we lounged around in Prince Alfred Park, listening to the many speakers giving speeches about their role in society, how we can change the world and their own experiences, listening to live music, participating in many fun activities and strolling around the ample amount of stalls advocating for their cause. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many hippies in the same place before but it was wonderful and I felt like I was doing something right. It was a memorable experience as I was also able to not only write an article about the event, but also interview the co-founder of the event.
The third rally I attended was also about marriage equality, which I can’t believe we’re still fighting for. It was the biggest rally to ever be held in Australian history with 30,000 to 50,000 people attending. The rally was advocating the ‘Yes’ vote, where even Bill Shorten gave a speech along with many others, including Tanya Plibersek, Sally Rugg, and Jenny Leong. There was so much love and support floating around that I was moved to tears a few times. It was like we were one giant, loving family. Looking around, all I could see was a sea of people from all nationalities, genders, ages, and species (there were so many rainbow coloured dogs) supporting each other and fighting for a cause the government has avoided for far too long. I remember telling my friend that I feel like all these rallies are doing nothing, but she reminded me that they are, because yes, they might not be changing everyone’s opinions (to vote yes), but they are making enough ruckus that it attracts the governments attention and that will lead to something, and that something might be change.
I have attended three rallies so far and none of them gave me the same experience. They were all different, inspiring and educational in their own way. This is for all those people that want to make a change but are too shy going to a rally — don’t be, it’s a pleasant and enriching experience that you’ll never forget. Because, changing, or at least shaping the world is everyone’s business.
