Two Rallies, One Fight: Standing Up for Bodily Autonomy in DC

Trump’s administration, Musk’s DOGE, and their far-right coalition have battered America with wave after wave of damaging decisions in the short time they’ve been in office. They’re threatening our most vulnerable communities and demanding that we abandon those most in need while they dissolve all of our rights.

Whether the latest attack is coming from Congress, the Supreme Court, or the White House, we show up and make our voices heard.

Earlier this month, we were honored to join partner organizations at rallies in Washington, DC, first for a celebration of trans lives led by the Christopher Street Project on Monday, March 31, and then with countless reproductive rights advocates to support Planned Parenthood in front of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 2.

At the heart of each of these events was the right to bodily autonomy. As we heard from many speakers at both rallies, we are all part of one movement. There can be no progress for one — like reproductive rights — while trans rights are being decimated.

Trans Day of Visibility Rally — Christopher Street Project

Every year on March 31, we celebrate Trans Day of Visibility, a commemoration of transgender people across the globe. This year the trans-led advocacy group Christopher Street Project gathered over a dozen speakers and hundreds of activists on the National Mall, in full view of the Capitol building.

While the rally addressed the many issues confronting trans people and called out the extremists behind the recent slew of anti-trans bills, the overall mood was joyful. Attendees waved flags and sprawled out on the grass while listening to speeches on the power and resilience of the trans community, cheering on their advocates and allies.

Included among the speakers were:

• House of Representatives Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA-05)
• Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30)
• Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51)
• Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02)
• Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA)
• Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI)
• Rabbi Abby Stein
• And over a dozen more legislators and activists

As the speakers for Christopher Street Project highlighted, the event not only demonstrated the political power of trans people, but also their strength and love for one another.

Supreme Court Rally to protest Medina v Planned Parenthood of South Atlantic

On April 2, we were back out on the streets to rally at the Supreme Court while justices heard oral arguments on a pivotal case for Planned Parenthood. Medina v Planned Parenthood of South Atlantic challenges South Carolina’s attempt to block Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider in the state, and eliminate the right for Medicaid recipients to choose their provider.

South Carolina’s aim is to punish Planned Parenthood as an abortion provider. If the Court sides with South Carolina, millions in the state–particularly BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low income individuals–could lose access to essential health care services.

Abortion advocates came out in force to defend Planned Parenthood, many having traveled hours to be there. Patients gave emotional testimonies about their experiences receiving all different types of reproductive health care at Planned Parenthood clinics. Legislators, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley, shared how access to reproductive health care has benefited their constituents.

There is a way forward

Rallies are emotional. They’re where we show our rage and yell to be heard, but also where we hear from the people at the heart of the issues, who call for us to join them. They show that there is a way forward, and we’re carving it ourselves. We will always show up for the reproductive health and rights of everyone, no matter the circumstances.

We’re proud to stand in coalition with so many incredible organizations and supporters who are doing the same. There will be many more of these events all across the country as we continue to push back against this bogus administration. I hope you’ll join us!

You can take action against the oligarchy today by urging your representative to co-sponsor the Support UNFPA Funding Act — find the form here!