Wave Riders

#HeartBeatsHate
"We rise by lifting others." ~ Robert Ingersoll

On Saturday, January 19, in the middle of a cold snap, we rode a wave. Boldly, loudly and as a united group, we flooded the streets, marching not only with the local chapter of Women’s March Canada, but joining the procession of women, men and allies from all over the world who believe that women’s rights are human rights. Our message, that HeartBeatsHate, stood boldly among other familiar proclamations: #metoo, #yesallwomen, #believewomen, #timesup and more. Together, we were both strong and mighty. And perhaps most importantly, we were both seen and heard.

Did we mention that it was a cold day? And by cold, we mean extreme cold weather warning cold. The biting wind could not derail our collective drive to stand up, speak out and push back. We were not to be silenced. We marched. All over the world, the sound of our footsteps swelled, driving the wave of change. Change that has been a long time coming.

The crowd was diverse. Politicians walked beside survivors. Police among children. Men, women and children of different cultural and religious backgrounds united as one. Their messages - our messages - were clear.

The time is now.

Change is coming.

We are the change.

Hear us.

At the end of the march, we huddled to listen to speakers share their stories - their truths. And they were heard. Without judgment. Without fear of retribution. They were radically heard - something most women have been asking for for years. How is it that in 2019 it is profound for someone to speak their truth and be heard?

The Women’s March is one example of the power each and every one of us holds when we decide to come together. To join a movement and stand up against bigotry and hatred, to speak out and have our voices heard, and to push back against toxic cultures. This is why HeartBeatsHate exists. We’re wave riders. And we’re growing. Join us.

Victoria Ford

Victoria thinks the world could do with a lot more heart. Her goal? To encourage others to stand up, speak out and push back against hatred.