March 4 Trans Rights in Denver

This Sunday, August 9, local organizers led a trans visibility march and rally titled March 4 Trans Rights in downtown Denver, in response to the numerous laws being passed against trans and GNC people.

From the Trump administration allowing medical professionals to turn away trans patients, to public schools barring trans athletes from competing with others of their identified gender, to the continued killing of our trans brothers and sisters, trans folks have received a lot of abuse at the hands of our current political leaders.

It was estimated that anywhere from 400 to 500 Coloradans showed up to march through Capitol Hill last weekend despite temperatures hitting a high of 97 just as the event began to kick off.

Event organizers urged protestors to respect their city as well as each other, stating, “This is a non-violent event. We strongly encourage COVID precautions such as masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing when possible.”

The leaders of this event haven’t established an official organization (yet); however, they intend to continue working to put together events that promote trans visibility and equality.

The March 4 Trans Rights‘ main points of focus are as follows:

“Trans Rights are Human Rights; Politically lobby to address and dismantle the structures of oppression and core aspects of racism, transphobia, gender inequity, and discrimination.”

Protest organizers highlighted the following social justice issues:

* Economic Injustice & Inequality
* Healthcare Inequality & Poor Health Outcomes
* Inclusive Sex Education of Sex & Gender
* School Sports
* Protections & Gender Acknowledgement In Correctional, Mental Health, Longterm Disabled, Senior Care, Shelters, & Facilities.
* Child Protective Services, Foster Care, & Homes
* Transphobia In CIS BIPOC Communities
* Justice & Remembrance for Our Lost Trans/NBY/GNC Sibs
* Address the so-called American Religious Freedom Act

The organizers of the March 4 Trans Lives released the following statement to OUT FRONT:

“The Denver March 4 Trans Rights gathered approximately 500 people from diverse demographics together in support of trans lives. It began at 12:30 p.m. at the Capitol with five dynamic trans speakers: Tiara Latrice Kelley, Phillip Rothlein, Mohxie ThunderCrow, Nishant Upadhyay, and Representative Brianna Titone. They spoke to the intersections of racism with transphobia, their own lived experience as trans people, and the need to harness the energy of this protest into further political action on behalf of the trans community.”

“The march itself proceeded in a loop through downtown, with protesters chanting and blocking intersections for visibility. There were two instances of violence from counter-protesters. Security and medics were able to handle the situation, and all the trans rights protesters remained peaceful and true to the non-violent intention of the event,” co-organizer Theo Spain told OUT FRONT.

He continued, “There was no violence or escalation from the police. The event ended on a strong note back at the Capitol, with trans individuals coming up spontaneously to the mic to share their stories. The leaders of this event will be continuing to organize in Denver for trans rights with further actions and projects forthcoming.”

Photos by Julius Fernan Garrido