Hundreds march in Fort Lauderdale to support equal rights, voter participation

FORT LAUDERDALE — A couple hundred placard-waving demonstrators walked and chanted around the federal courthouse and past Fort Lauderdale city hall as part of the nationwide Women’s March 2020 on Saturday.

The rally aimed to remember the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, carryonher fight for equal rights, and end discrimination of all kinds.

It was a new experience for Michelle Perez- Carroll and Caitlan Etchevers, a couple of Broward County moms who had never organized a demonstration before.

“We are both first-time activists,” said Perez-Carroll. “We’re just two busy working moms that have been called to action and moved because we feel so strongly about protecting our family and equal rights and having our children grow up in a better society.”

Fort LauderdaleMayor Dean Trantalis credits the large turnout, inpart, to the election season.

“The last four years have also ignited the

interest of disenfranchised, disaffected groups in our community that feel that they have been marginalized, discriminated against, and are hoping to push for change on Nov. 3rd.”

Among them were Sara Larson and her 16-yearold child Will, who know the pain of being treated differently.

“It’s a little harder for transgender kids in the schools,” Larson said. “I think it’s important for people in authority to speak out in favor of greater equality, no discrimination, and respect for everybody.”

“I’ve seen my fellow transgender students being barricaded outside of bathrooms by other students,” said Will. “Many of us stopped drinking water during the day so we don’t have to go to the bathroom.”

To a chorus of honking horns from passing motorists, many in the crowd carried campaign signs for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris while other signs simply encouraged people to vote.

Every marcher was wearing a face mask.

Wayne K. Roustan can be reached at wkroustan@ sunsentinel.com or 561379- 6119 or on Twitter @ WayneRoustan

JENNIFERLETT/SOUTHFLORIDASUNSENTINEL Women, children and Fort LauderdaleMayorDeanTrantalis attendWomen Gather to Say: Count on Us in Fort Lauderdale to rally voters and demand equality at the steps of the U.S. Federal Building& Courthouse inFort Lauderdale on Saturday.