One of the most popular traditions at Atlanta Pride is the annual Dyke March, set for the afternoon of Saturday, October 13th. 

Long a favorite, the Dyke March is a demonstration of the visibility, the political value, and the passion of dykes and all women-identified women, according to Jamie Green-Fergerson, Atlanta Pride’s board of directors vice chair.

“We are a diverse group of marchers, and we march in solidarity with all those who struggle against sexism, homophobia, racism, xenophobia, classism, ableism, fatphobia, transphobia, ageism, and other forms of marginalization,” she said.

Dyke marches started locally in the mid-1990s; they were originally organized by the Lesbian Avengers.

This year the march gathers at 5:30 p.m. and begins at 6 p.m.  It steps off from the Charles Allen gate, travels down 10th Street, turns onto Peachtree Street, turns onto 14th Street, and then re-enters the park at the 14th Street gate. Last year, 500 people participated in the march, according to Green-Fergerson.

New for the Dyke March will be a trolley to transport people who cannot or would have a hard time marching. Seats for the trolley will be given out on a first come, first served basis with priority going to those with mobility challenges, elders, and families with young children, Green-Fergerson said.

One of the 2012 Parade Grand Marshals, Julie Kubala, was one of the organizers for the first Atlanta Dyke March. 

While other Prides host dyke marches that are dyke-only spaces, the Atlanta Dyke March invites allies to join.

“If you’re an ally, we ask that you march with us if you support dykes politically, socially, and holistically,” Green-Fergerson said.  “We ask that you respect our need to be visible and lead the demonstration.”

Top photo: The raucous Dyke March is more overtly political than Sunday’s Pride parade. (Photo by Dyana Bagby)