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This morning (January 21), thousands of Vancouverites flocked to Jack Poole Plaza to stand in solidarity with those participating in the Women’s March on Washington.

The event served to champion the liberties of all those attacked, mocked, and demonized during Donald Trump’s election campaign and to send a message to the newly sworn-in president and similar thinking factions that acts of hate and discrimination will not be tolerated.

Organizers estimate that 15,000 to 20,000 Vancouverites turned out for the rally. Leading up to the demonstration, over 8,000 people had RSVP’d.

Many toted signs advocating for the dismantling of patriarchy; LGBT rights; the takedown of white supremacy; the reproductive rights of women; the value of Black, Indigenous, and other oppressed bodies; action on climate change; and more. Many others wore pink “pussyhats”, hand-knit caps decorated with peaks resembling cat ears that nod to—and reclaim—Trump’s misogynistic remarks.

The crowd grew so large that citizens spilled onto the Shaw Tower and Fairmont Pacific Rim properties across the street. Various roads in the downtown core were also shut down to vehicle traffic.

The protest began at Jack Poole Plaza at 10 a.m., where attendees heard speeches from the likes of Musqueam Band member Rhiannon Bennett, Indigenous language advocate Khelsilem, human-rights activist Nancy Trigueros, and Vancouver City councillor Heather Deal.

Participants then proceeded to march past the U.S. Consulate on West Pender Street and Trump International Hotel & Tower on West Georgia Street before returning to the plaza, where Vancouver-based country-music trio the Heels, artist and activist Jodie Ortega, and other figures took to the stage.

Check out the images below for a snapshot of the rally and the thousands of people who showed up for the event.

With signs in hand, thousands attended Vancouver's Women's March on Washington at Jack Poole Plaza. Amanda Siebert

Georgia Straight staff were happy to find a sign supporting press freedom. Amanda Siebert

Men, women, and children filled the area surrounding the Convention Centre beneath Douglas Coupland's Digital Orca. Amanda Siebert

Eagerly awaiting the start of the march. Amanda Siebert

Despite the name of the march, thousands of men marched in solidarity. Amanda Siebert

Crowds listened as Councillor Heather Deal spoke at Jack Poole Plaza. Amanda Siebert

An abundance of creative and witty signs spoke to numerous causes. Amanda Siebert

A+ for originality on this one. Amanda Siebert

These men proudly shared their support for women. Amanda Siebert

Many attendees wore pink tuques or "pussyhats" to the march. Amanda Siebert

Simple, yet effective. Amanda Siebert

Straight staffers Lucy Lau, Janet McDonald, and Kate Wilson were happy to take part. Amanda Siebert

Bonus points for creative use of giant googly eyes. Amanda Siebert

Plenty of pride flags and signs showing support for LGBTQ communities could be seen among the crowds. Amanda Siebert

Proudly embracing equal rights. Amanda Siebert

A view from the stage area at Jack Poole Plaza. Amanda Siebert

These women rocked pins that read, 'Nasty Woman Proud'. Amanda Siebert

An important message about feminism. (Is it anti-racist? Against classism? Trans-inclusive?) Amanda Siebert

The North Shore mountains provided a stellar back drop for the thousands who gathered at Jack Poole Plaza. Amanda Siebert

Oprah Winfrey made an appearance at the march, thanks to this couple's custom-made shirts. Amanda Siebert

More women rocking homemade pussyhats. Amanda Siebert

One of many signs bearing the slogan. Amanda Siebert

An encouraging message. Amanda Siebert

This group had a message for women around the world. Amanda Siebert

Attendees marched toward the U.S. Consulate and Trump Tower. Amanda Siebert

Many signs spoke to climate change and environmentalism. Amanda Siebert

During the march, attendees took a stand outside the Trump Tower. Amanda Siebert

Marching outside the Trump Tower. Amanda Siebert

Many women had messages for people who might have an issue with the word, 'feminist'. Amanda Siebert

This group marched and chanted as they passed the Trump Tower. Amanda Siebert

In solidarity with people of colour. Amanda Siebert