Sexual assault and harassment survivors, along with supporters, filled the streets of Hollywood and Highland for the #MeToo March on Sunday Nov. 12.
People of all ages, races, genders and professions joined together to speak out.
#MeToo marchers made their way to CNN in support of Take Back the Workplace March for their press conference.
Featured speaker Areva Martin sent out a message to victims of sexual violence in the workplace saying, “We see you, we’re standing with you and we’re here to say, ‘silent no more’.”
Another featured speaker for Take Back the Workplace March was American film producer Cathy Schulman.
“That’s the problem. It’s not that women won’t or can’t speak up. It’s what happens when they do,” said Schulman.
After the press conference, #MeToo marchers made their way back to Hollywood and Highland center for their rally, where the crowd size and colorful banners attracted attention.
Honks of support were heard as the crowd marched.
#MeToo marchers waved their posters and flags containing creative and powerful messages as they chanted, “Show me what a survivor looks like. This is what a survivor looks like.”
Once the marchers arrived at the center, the rally was opened with a healing ceremony performed by a group of Native American women.
Brenda Gutierrez, organizer of the event and a sexual assault and harassment survivor said, “I’m looking at the audience and I feel like I’m not alone and neither are you because we’re here for you. We will no longer be ashamed, we will no longer be silenced, and we’re here, we’re proud we’re survivors and we’re warriors and we will get through this together.”
Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo campaign, also spoke in support of her fellow survivors. Her message to survivors is simple, but powerful: “You are heard, you are understood.”
Nahomi Gomez, a twenty one year old college student and mother, was there representing all the people who came forward with their story and were not believed.
Karla Amezola, 2017 Emmy Award and Golden Mike Award Winner, was a former reporter for Estrella TV and was in attendance for the march.
She was sexually harassed by her boss Andrés Angulo from 2012 to 2015. Shortly after, she was fired after coming forward about her boss, despite having recordings as proof.
Stories like Amezola’s are more common than some realize, and sharing them brings comfort to other survivors and brings more attention to the issue of sexual assault.
Like other marches of its kind, the #MeToo March accomplished its goal to bring people together to support one another, to shed light on sexual abuse in workforce industries, and to condemn sexual violence.