Proud dykes at Portland's Dyke March 2010

Jill Barkley, committee member [Photo by Rachel Forbus]

Friday, June 18th the dykes and dyke-lovers of Southern Maine gathered at Monument Square on Congress Street in downtown Portland, ME for the Fourth Annual Portland, ME Dyke March beginning at 6:30pm. 

There were belly dancers, female football teams, rugby teams, dykes on motorcycles and bicycles, and women with the women they love. 

The committee did a great job of gathering everyone together, keeping everyone on the right side of the road, and keeping the crowd excited. 

Supporters were staggered down Congress St., cheering and applauding all of the women marching down the street. The beautiful thing about the Dyke March is that there were more people in the parade than on the sidelines. Showing that more women in this city are proud of who they are and want to be seen.

The after party started at One Longfellow Square after the march at 8 and women were pouring through the door. Wristbands marked those old enough to drink, and the bar had plenty to offer. People were talking and laughing outside the door, and there was plenty of dancing inside. DJ Kate did an awesome job with the music selection, from the "Grease Lighting" to "All the Single Ladies" women were belting out the lyrics and dancing with their friends and lovers. 

The Dyke March was fun, free, and fantastic. This was the authors first Portland Dyke March, and she believes it was a huge success. Next year's can't come soon enough. 

Any questions, comments, or corrections, please email me: rachel.forbus@gmail.com