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

[atheva]

Hm. I haven't perused the other comments yet, so these things may have already been said. Obviously, going with others is a good way to ensure personal safety. One or two close friends because then you all can look out for each other. Also, in a march it's good not to get ruffled by the decrying of the opposition. I have a bit of a temper so, I have to constantly remind myself not to sink to the level of being insulting. Basically just try to add grace and pride to your cause. Most sensical people can respect that. Um, even all those precautions may not work though. I was at protest once against the KKK having a rally in my hometown and they started throwing rocks at us!

[winter]

Eggs and rocks are what I'm afraid of. And I'm trusting my friend to hold me back if I do lose my temper ;) I think I might grow my nails out for another week, and that'll get them to eye-gouging length...