Hundreds show up to “Yoga Pants Parade” in Barrington

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Hundreds of people showed up to a “Yoga Pants Parade” in Barrington Sunday afternoon. The unique parade comes after a Barrington Times “Letter to the Editor” shamed women over the age of 20 for wearing them.

"I think women should be respected no matter what we’re wearing,” said Sandra Oliviera of East Providence.

"I think it’s despicable to have someone dictate to woman what to wear and what not to wear,” said Debbie Lewis of Barrington.

They paraded through a Barrington neighborhood where the man who penned the controversial letter lives.

"We’re sick and tired of our clothing and our bodies being policed by men,” said Jamie Burke, who organized the parade.

Alan Sorrentino wrote in a recent Barrington Times “Letter to the Editor” that women over the age of 20 shouldn’t wear yoga pants. Some of his other points include, “It’s the unforgiving perspective they provide” and “I struggle with my own physicality as I age. I don’t want to struggle with yours.”

"The letter, it struck me with a gut feeling,” said Burke.

Burke shared the sentiment of hundreds of others and was half kidding when she suggested a parade.

"Who knew it would end up like this,” she said.

But organizers say this movement isn’t just about yoga pants.

"We should support people for whatever their bodies look like, however they wanna dress. It’s not about that it’s about being happy,” said Tracy McGraw of East Providence.

In a phone interview with ABC6 on Saturday, Sorrentino called the letter a joke and asked the organizers to move it because he was concerned for his safety.

They obviously didn’t and when the group passed his house, they were greeted by police and a massive sign reading “Free Speech.”

"He’s saying that it was a joke and it was funny and if it was I wish he’d join us and smile and laugh at the ridiculousness that this is now,” Burke said.

Protestors ended the parade by putting their pants to good use with a yoga session.

Participants also showed up with donations for the Sojourner House, a domestic violence agency in Providence.

© WLNE-TV 2016