Thousands protest Trump presidency at Sydney Women’s March

SYDNEY, Australia – Thousands of Australians marked the start of Donald Trump’s presidency with a protest march and many said they feared the new U.S. leader could stir up hatred and bigotry.

Protesters at the Women’s March rally in Sydney’s central Hyde Park on Saturday carried placards with slogans including “Women of the world resist,” ”Feminism is my trump card” and “Fight like a girl.”

Organizer Mindy Freiband told the crowd “this is the beginning of something, not the end.” She says hatred, bigotry and racism are not only America’s problems.

Protester Alyssa Smith, who came with her husband and 2-year-old daughter, said she worried about the future after Trump’s election.

She said she didn’t want her daughter growing up in the world “where hatred is commonplace, where people think it’s OK to persecute minorities.”

Charlotte Wilde said she shed tears watching Trump get sworn in. The 33-year-old said the businessman’s rise to the presidency had left her in a state of “horror” and attending Saturday’s rally was a way to feel empowered.

A plane was seen skywriting “TRUMP” over the rally.

Skywriting Australia owner Rob Vance said the sign was commissioned by Trump fans who wanted to remain anonymous.

“They wanted to remain anonymous because they didn’t want to get hassled by press and stuff,” Vance told The Associated Press.

“All I know is they’re Trump supporters. They didn’t really tell me much,” he added.