Powerful and Punny: Signs of the Times at Womxn’s March 2019

For the third year in a row, Coloradans took to the streets of downtown Denver to loudly proclaim their support of women’s issues, their objection to national and social policy that represses civil rights of all sorts, and to make their voices heard. As the marching chant goes: This is what Democracy looks like, and it was out in full force, with a sea of signs filling Civic Center Park as an estimated 80,000 demonstrators gathered for the 2019 Womxn’s March Denver.

The signs themselves employed several different strategies – some were pointed, some were angry, some were poignant, and some were funny. But each and every one spoke from the heart. Here are twenty signs from the Womxn’s March Denver that paint a picture of the public: committed, passionate, clever…and sometimes just flat-out fed up.

Wonder Woman
The beauty of comic books: Sometimes the art requires no caption.

Where Are the Children?
A significant portion of the signs didn’t bother to be referential or creative: They just asked questions that need to be asked. Loudly.

Is This a Pigeon?
The Internet “Is this a pigeon” meme is pretty widespread, so it makes sense that it would land on signage at the Womxn’s March.

Putin Riding Trump
Not only is Trump frighteningly friendly to Russia, this sign points out that he also makes the ugliest horse.

You’re So Vain
Sure, it’s a Carly Simon reference, a nod to the music nerds present at the March. But to whom is it directed? Trump? Mitch McConnell? Men in general? Maybe all of the above.

Captain America and Real Men
“This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world: No. YOU move.”

Mitch Is the Problem
One new complaint at the 2019 March was the role that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has played and continues to play in the fundamental dysfunction of American government. This sign is one of the more sedate of the batch – compared to some, it’s downright kind, worthy of the Kentucky gentleman that McConnell pretends to be.

Slay the Patriarchy
If you think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a metaphor against old white dudes, it starts to make a lot more sense. It’s almost not even a metaphor.

Keep Your Filthy Laws Off My Silky Drawers
Because there’s just not enough Rizzo in our current political discourse.

I Dissent
Another theme of the day was Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Many signs were devoted to wishing her good health or just celebrating her legacy of feminism. Long live the Notorious RBG.

The Fempire Strikes Back
Star Wars signage has been prevalent from the beginning, with Princess Leia and “A Woman’s Place Is in the Resistance.” But it’s a dark time for the Republic, so it only makes sense that the March would move into Episode V territory.

Shine a Good Deed in a Weary World
Whether you know this line from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice or from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, it’s a good reminder that even small gestures of kindness can mean everything.

“Fuck,” Said Piglet
You never knew Piglet had such a potty mouth, did you?

Shit Is Fucked Up Fam
This person pretty much agrees with Piglet.

Winter is Coming
Anyone in Colorado who doesn’t understand the power of the snowflake just hasn’t been paying attention.

Worst Villains
Little-known fact: All three have also lifted weights at Tobin’s house.

Trump Is Voldemort
Two remarkable things: This kid clearly made his own awesome sign, and he’s drawing a direct comparison between the greatest villain of his generation…and the evil wizard Voldemort.