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

Pride in Warsaw

[seidthe.livejournal.com]

Hey, glad you're joining. I'm Hot's friend, dunno if you remember me from the theatre and from Arkadia.
Anyway, will be there with some friends as well :) I always go, and though it looks scary, it's a lot of fun too. Just make sure you're not wearing anything u particulary like, as those Nazi idiots throw eggs. Which can ruin your outfit. Some people bring umbrelles, but frankly I can't be bothered. And yes, stones happen too, which is especially sad since also families with little kids participate, but the police is doing their job just fine and they prevent most of the attacks. Only when you see some bald guys with hands in their pockets standing around and seeming to plot something (u can say, because any processes of thinking are clearly visible on their faces. Thinking hurts, u know), well in such case be aware the stones will be flying.
See u there :)

Re: Pride in Warsaw

[winter]

I don't have too many things I don't like wearing, but I think all of my outfit is easily washable - moreso than my lace-bedecked umbrella :) And yay for civil protest. I really wanted to go last year too, but something got in the way, alas...

Re: Pride in Warsaw

[seidthe.livejournal.com]

I made it in the nick of time, bolted out leaving my students and joined the march on Swietokrzyska.
On other topic, do u know by any chance what toime they open the Dean's office tomorrow? I think I need to claim my diploma, kind of forgot about that for two months :-/

Re: Pride in Warsaw

[winter]

9.30 I think. And you're not the worst, I have a friend who hasn't picked up his after 14 months :D

Re: Pride in Warsaw

[seidthe.livejournal.com]

tnx.
couldn't be arsed to do it earlier really, it's not like I'm gonna need it anytime soon.