Thousands turn out for Philadelphia Women's March

FAIRMOUNT (WTXF) - Thousands of people descended on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the 3rd annual Women's March on Philadelphia. The march was one of more than 230 happening in cities and communities worldwide.

Taking to the streets, once again. Women's March Philadelphia's nod to the 3rd annual National Women's March brought out thousands with impassioned views on wide ranging issues as current political tensions intensify.

"I am the daughter of a Cuban immigrant," stated Laura Arblaster.

Arblaster says that is why she became involved in the movement. She says she is standing up for those who come to America to contribute to a society embroiled in a fiery immigration and boarder security debate.

"Especially here in Philadelphia where it's a sanctuary city. I feel that the voices of immigrants, especially now, need to be supported and loved," Arblaster said.

The women, and men supporting the massive demonstration, rallied to bring issues such as sexual harassment, domestic violence and women's health to the forefront.

Perhaps the loudest message heard in the march was a call for inclusion, after charges of anti-Semitism involving some organizers of the national Women's March movement.

"As a Jewish woman, I really want to make sure that we're represented and that our voices are being heard and the voices of all different kinds of women, right? If we're going to be inclusionary, we have to include everybody," explained Beth Finn.

The LGBTQ community's concerns were also a big topic.

Transgender advocate Deja Lynn Alvarez is one of the organizers from the grassroots group Philly Women Rally, which started their own portion of the day's events at the Ben Franklin Parkway and moved on to Eakins Oval.

"We were hoping that after the first year, things were going to get better and they haven't . They've actually continued to get worse, so we feel like it's more important now than ever," Alvarez stated.