The Women's March on Denver broke through the glass ceiling of all attendance expectations on Saturday, January 21, drawing huge crowds that wound up tripling the initial estimates of 40,000 attendees (and the count could grow). One day after Donald Trump's inauguration, which itself disappointed in terms of numbers, the American people were clearly determined to make a statement.
What that statement was, of course, varied from person to person and sign to sign. Some signs were traditional, some were profane, some were poignant — and some were beautifully geeky. After all, while you're speaking your mind and participating in the democratic process, you might as well let your freak flags fly. In that spirit, here are the top ten nerd-tastic signs we saw at the Women's March on Denver.
10. The Rebel Insignia
Not only is she sporting a women's-rights version of the symbol of the Rebellion, but she's also wearing a shirt that says "Leia Organa for President." No word on whether there's been any reaction from Mon Mothma.
9. "We Must All Face the Choice Between What is Right and What Is Easy"
The line right before this one in the books has Dumbledore saying, "Dark and difficult times lie ahead." Perhaps true here as well — but, you know, limited space on the sign.
8. "A Woman's Place Is in the Resistance"
Princess Leia played a large part in the signage at this event, no doubt partly inspired by the recent (and far too early) passing of actress Carrie Fisher. But the fact that the Star Wars movies are about fighting an unethical and authoritarian regime, with women in key positions of rebel leadership, made it a perfect inspiration. That, and a ton of pussy references.
7. "Even Hogwarts Fell to Voldemort"
If Trump were to wear a shirt that said, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," we wonder if that would improve his approval rating?
6. "Rebellions Are Built on Hope"
This is the line Jyn Erso utters in the newest Star Wars movie, Rogue One. Before the prequels and the later movies, Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia was one of the few female major characters in the films. Now we not only have Jyn, but also Queen Amidala, Rey (whose last name has yet to be revealed...) and others. Clearly, blaster bolts can break glass ceilings.
Keep reading for more signs from the Women's March.
5. "Respect My Existence or Expect Resistance"
The text isn't from Hunger Games (though it was on a number of other signs and shirts throughout Saturday's protest), but that Mockingjay symbol certainly is, and like Star Wars, Hunger Games is all about rebellion.
4. "Knit Me a Cardigan....I'm Going Longbottom on This Shit"
Okay, you really have to be a Potter-head in order to get this one, but the sign is talking about Neville Longbottom, friend to Harry Potter and the other character in the books (and more so in the fandom of the Harry Potter phenomenon) who could have been the "chosen one," the one to defeat Voldemort. Admittedly, there is some evidence for this, including the fact that Neville killed the giant snake Nagini, who was the final Horcrux that kept Voldemort semi-immortal. And when he slayed Nagini...he was wearing a cardigan sweater, just like his father had worn before him. You know what they say: Dress for the job you want.
3. "Carrie Fisher Sent Me"
Aw. Pink hat over hair buns? Check. White gown? Check. Sassy attitude and occasional British accent? The jury is still out. Still: Carrie Fisher, we miss you.
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2. "This Is Not the World That Star Trek Promised"
The only Trek-related sign we found at the Women's March, this one refers to the failure (so far) of the real world to live up to the expectations of Gene Roddenberry and the Trek ethos, in which the racial, religious, gender and all other divisions are, by the time of Trek's future, made moot. The shirt was a nice touch, and it's a good sign for the safety of the event that it was blue and not red.
1. "The 45th Is a Sith"
Princess Leia's association with this sentiment is tenuous at best, but everything was coming up Star Wars at the march, and that's never a bad thing. (He seems more like a Neimodian from the Trade Federation to us, but never mind splitting villainous hairs.) May the Force Be With Us, in numbers impossible to ignore.
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