Transgender Rights Advocate Ed Markey Cheered on at Protest

A wave of protests occurred across the country last Saturday. The No Kings rallies, focused on criticizing the Trump administration’s heavy authoritarian hand, brought several million people out to the streets. Boston’s No Kings protest also shined a light on the discrepancy in the Democratic party’s stances on transgender people and related policies.

The two 2026 Senatorial candidates, Senator Ed Markey and Representative Seth Moulton, received much different receptions from the community members protesting. Markey came onto the stage draped in a transgender pride flag and spoke on the importance of the community’s rights: “Here in Massachusetts, we stand for what is right. We stand with trans people because trans rights are human rights.” Applause erupted from the crowd, a moment of strong allyship and support for transgender people.

On the other hand, as Moulton came on stage to speak, he was immediately booed. This most likely stems from his previous transphobic remarks. In 2024, he stated that the Democratic party “spends way too much time trying not to offend anyone … I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat, I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.” 

In a time right now where transgender people are used as a political prop, it is imperative for officials and community members alike to be loud about their care and support. These two Democratic candidates have opposing stances on transgender people, and there was much more vocal support for a pro-LGBTQ+ candidate. Governor Maura Healey spoke out against Moulton, saying “I also think it’s important in this moment that we not pick on particularly vulnerable children … And you know that’s what I’ve been disappointed in seeing.” Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley shared love and sympathy for transgender people and acknowledged their dehumanization in politics in a post on X.

More and more politicians vocalize their support outside of this specific protest. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is outwardly progressive and continues to be in support of the transgender community.  New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani focused a recent campaign on transgender rights and protection. Though politicians often treat transgender people as a risk instead of people who are deserving of basic human rights, there is still hope. There are still politicians like Markey who aren’t afraid of the backlash, who won’t back down in the face of a party divided.