Best wishes + Tips for political rallies?

[winter]

First now all, a very happy birthday to isis_whit :)

I know there's a fair amount of activists on my f-list, people who take part in political demonstrations, rallies, marches and so on. Care to share a few tips on surviving one when you know there probably will be trouble from a neo-Nazi counter-demonstration?

On Saturday there's a big march in Warsaw - the Equality Parade. On the surface, it's gay rights. It's turning into something of a demonstration against the current direction of the Polish political life. Since the newspapers in the last few months made my skin crawl more often than not, I'm going. The problem is, a neo-Nazi youth organisation will be conducting a counter-demonstration on the reverse path. There might be shouts, rocks, whatever.

I've got my outfit - jeans, t-shirt, no handbag, hair up in twists (stylish femme lesbian look not entirely coincidental). I've got an escort - guy's way over 6', a black-belt and a friend since birth. Any other practical tips for keeping safe and not ticking off the cops too much? We have a show to catch that evening ;)

Comments

[mayoini.livejournal.com]

I want to go too.
And because I belive the point of this parade is not being afraid of the narrow minded people, I'm not taking any weapons. ;) I'll dress the way I'll feel and take my bag, I won't make any special preparations I guess. :) Good you're going too. Maybe we can get coffee later?

[mayoini.livejournal.com]

from the official web page:
"Ze względu na zagrożenie agresją ze strony chorych na homofobię uczestniczki – nie tracąc nadziei na wyleczenie dotkniętych tą ciężką chorobą – wystąpią w ukwieconych hełmach koloru fioletowego, jako „Misja pokojowa”."
LOL
But it's the right attitude! What else can you do. :/

[winter]

If we have the time (need to go change clothes and dress up for vampires at 7PM), why not? If you're going along, you're welcome to meet up with us beforehand, too - my friend's a dear, and most of all a perfect bodyguard :> It's more fun with people you know!