Philly Dyke March

Sat., June 13, 3 p.m., free, Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets, myspace.com/philadelphiadykemarch.

by Chris Monigle

[ lgbtq ]

In terms of size, purpose and visibility, the Gay Pride Parade this ain't. But that's the point — Dyke Marches began in 1993 in Washington, D.C., to protest against Pride Parades, because several women felt they were controlled by gay white men at the expense of lesbians, transgender lesbians and women of color in particular.

The focus of this year's Philly March — speaking out against patriarchy — is purposefully broad, and women of all stripes (gay, straight, transgender, etc.) are welcome.

"The march gives females a chance to voice their concerns," says organizer Sasha Gamburg. "It's not a parade or a stroll — it is a demonstration; a proclamation of our dignity, our strength and our passion."

The march begins in Kahn Park, where guitarist Kelly Ricketts, R&B artist Allazae and spoken-word performer J Mase will take to the stage. Also, Rachel Fichtenbaum will speak about SEPTA discrimination and Adah Bush will discuss the LGBT nonprofit Liberty City. Then, after lesbians, women and their allies are properly riled up, they'll head to the streets to have their voices heard.

How many of them should we expect?

"About 100 people showed up for last year's march," says Gamburg. "And we anticipate more for this year."