Chain-In Celebration NYC
Start: Wednesday, August 04, 2021• 9:15 AM
End: Wednesday, August 04, 2021•11:00 AM
- Sen. Julia Salazar
- Susan Raqib, Human Rights Watch
- Leslie Wright, Zonta Club of Brooklyn
- Naila Amin, Naila Amin Foundation
- Chavie Weisberger, Footsteps
- Fraidy Reiss, Unchained At Last
Child Marriage in the United States
We at Unchained lead a growing national movement to end child marriage in every U.S. state and at the federal level -- as part of our mission to end all forms of forced marriage through direct services and advocacy.
Child marriage often is forced marriage, because minors face overwhelming legal and practical barriers if they try to leave home, enter a domestic violence shelter, retain an attorney or bring a legal action such as a divorce before they turn 18. Further, child marriage is recognized as a human rights abuse that destroys American girls' health, education and economic opportunities and significantly increases their risk of experiencing domestic violence.
One of the strategies we use in our push to end this human rights abuse is the Chain-In. Read more here about this powerful form of peaceful protest, which we have staged in multiple U.S. states.
Join the movement. Be a part of our Chain-In Celebration.
Chain-In FAQs
Q: What time does the Chain-In Celebration begin and end?
A: Please arrive 9:15 a.m. August 4 to check in and change into Chain-In attire. The Chain-In Celebration begins 10:00 a.m. and ends by 11:00 a.m.
Q: Where is the exact Chain-In Celebration location?
A: The Chain-In Celebration location is the sidewalk outside Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan office at 633 3rd Avenue (between 40th and 41st Streets) in New York City.
Q: Where can I change into Chain-In attire?
A: We have secured a private space near the Chain-In Celebration location for changing into and out of bridal gowns. When you arrive and check in, let us know if you need to use this private space.
Q: Are masks required at the Chain-In Celebration?
A: Masks are required inside the private changing area. We also encourage you to wear a mask at the Chain-In Celebration, especially if it becomes crowded.
Q: I don't have a bridal gown and veil. What should I do?
A: Simply indicate when you register that you want us to loan you a free gown and veil, and tell us what size you are. (We have an arsenal of some 70 bridal gowns that people have donated to us for our Chain-Ins.)
Q: I prefer not to wear a bridal gown, veil, chains and/or tape. May I still join the Chain-In Celebration?
A: Absolutely. The full Chain-In experience involves wearing a bridal gown and chains, but if that makes you uncomfortable, we still want you to protest with us.
Q: I do not identify as female. Should I still join and wear a bridal gown and veil?
A: Yes, please! You are encouraged to join and to wear a gown and veil regardless of your gender identity.
Q: Should I bring my own chains and tape?
A: No, do not bring your own chains and tape. We will provide free plastic chains and comfortable tape.
Q: Is this legal?
A: Yes, the Chain-In Celebration is completely legitimate. We are allowed to protest (or celebrate) on a sidewalk in New York without a permit as long as we do not block the sidewalk or a building entrance and do not use a voice amplification device. Read more here about the right to protest in New York.
Q: How much does it cost to join the Chain-In Celebration?
A: Joining the Chain-In Celebration is free -- but please consider donating to help offset the cost of the Chain-In and to help individuals across the U.S. who are fleeing forced and child marriages.
Q: Does the Chain-In Celebration proceed in case of bad weather?
A: Yes, the Chain-In Celebration proceeds regardless of weather conditions.
Q: How else can I help end child and forced marriage?
A: Whether or not you can join the Chain-In Celebration, please take these steps:
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