AUSTIN, Texas -- Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Austin Saturday as part of the Women's March movement taking place around the country.

MORE | Blog: Thousands March at State Capitol for Women's Rights

Carrying signs, waving flags and chanting, the women warned leaders -- both nationwide and in this conservative state -- against pursuing laws that govern their bodies.

Photo: Progress Texas

While organizers say this was a Women's March, the crowd that gathered in the Capital City represented a coalition of racial and religious minorities, as well as members of the LGBT community.

One protester told Spectrum News that the large turnout humbled her.

"It's so amazing to see so many little girls and also older women just out here protesting with us it's amazing," said protester Cecil Blackwood Cross of Austin.

Many men also showed their support at the march, saying there's no shame in calling themselves feminists.

"Regardless of who I am, there's always going to be something that I'm not. But something that I can strive to relate to," said protester Morgan Anderson of Austin.

It was a peaceful protest, echoing the feelings expressed by hundreds of thousands of women massed in the nation's capital and cities around the world, to send President Donald Trump a message that they won't let his agenda go unchallenged over the next four years.

MORE | More than 1 Million Join Anti-Trump Women's Marches Worldwide

The Austin protest started and ended at the Texas Capitol Building, where Texas leaders, including former State senator and gubernatorial candidate, Wendy Davis, spoke.

"I think human rights in general are really being challenged right now. So, I am here to support not going back and only going forward," said protester Sarah Lantz of Austin.

"Minorities have been really upset by this past election and I know there's not a lot we as citizens can do other than vote," said Blackwood Cross.

"I'm also a teacher and you know the kids are not happy about what's happening right now and finding the words for them is a challenge," said protester Noah Lantz. "Kinda hard to describe, but bad."

Many of those in attendance at the march said while they may not have supported Trump's rise to the presidency, they hope he sees the strength in their numbers.

"I'd like for him to see the power of a peaceful gathering," said Lantz.

Protesters said their goal was to not remain silent, but to show unity and speak out -- a goal they say they accomplished.

"If you look at the Trump presidency, it's going to start affecting everyone in this country. It's important to organize like this and get out there," said Anderson.

In the past week alone, the Texas Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to gay marriage benefits.

And a federal judge issued an injunction, preventing state lawmakers from cutting Planned Parenthood's Medicaid funding.

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