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I AM NOT STANDING UP FOR MY RIGHTS.







We have opinions, we have voices and our generation is not scared to fight against our corrupt system. I am a gay woman and the right to exist wholeheartedly has been fought for by the strong men and women who came before me. Now it’s our turn to carry on their work. 


Today, Manchester’s “Kill The Bill” protest took place, and at first, I thought nothing of it - when you live in the city, protests are an everyday occurrence. But as I continued to walk through it, I felt overwhelmed with the power and passion I was surrounded by. I began to question myself as to why I was walking past and not into it after all, if it wasn’t for the power of protest then I wouldn’t have the freedom that I seemingly take for granted. 


Walking away left me with a sense of guilt and realisation that simply saying that I support equality and freedom of speech is not enough; so I turned around and put myself in unknown territory. Ego and fear of vulnerability removed, peace, love, and support from the protesters that I stood beside, supporting the black lives matter and reclaim our streets movement alike, was all I felt. It was empowering and my opinion on why protests are important was finally understood. 


“Kill The Bill” is a demonstration against Britain’s proposed policing bill providing police with the power to issue arrests to nonviolent protesters, with longer prison sentences than rapists. Today I learnt the importance of freedom of speech. Today I learnt that I have not been standing up for my rights. And today that changed. I now realise the power our voices hold and that unless we use them, change will not happen. Regardless of if you are in a minority, protests past and present have given you and the people you love the life you live today.


Do not stay silent, challenge your opinions, and keep demanding the right to exist outside of our corrupt system. 


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