Day Of Resistance To Trans Genocide March and Resistance Rally at Capitol Square

This preview is adapted from “Now, Not Later, Is The Time to Speak Up For Trans People,” initially published in Emily Mills’ newsletter, Grist From The Mills.

If you’re in the Madison area on Saturday, March 18, a grassroots group of people is organizing a Day Of Resistance To Trans Genocide that aims to raise awareness and drive action to oppose the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ, particularly anti-trans, legislation and rhetoric that’s begun to swamp our state and country.

The event will begin at or near the Wisconsin State Capitol with a march at 2:30 p.m., followed by a rally with trans and non-binary speakers. It’ll be a great way to show solidarity, get connected with other people engaged in the work, and find resources and support. Here’s the Facebook listing for the event—which is worth checking up on because the final route of the march and exact location of the rally is still to be determined. And here are some notes about safety:

•  Wear a mask if at all possible. There’s still a pandemic on, and we want to help protect our immune compromised and disabled community. Masks can also help prevent having your picture taken by possible anti-trans counter-protesters who could use your image for making threats/harassment/doxxing.
• Having a protest buddy is always a good plan. Someone you can check in with before, during, and after the event to make sure everyone is accounted for and for moral support.
• Some masks, water, snacks, etc. will be provided for by organizers but also please bring your own and/or some to share if you can. Wear comfortable shoes or boots for walking, and/or plan for transportation through a short (~1 mile) march.
• In the unlikely event of disruption or police involvement, have your phone’s biometrics switched off (police can make you use the thumbprint unlock option to get into your phone but they can’t force you to use your PIN), and keep the number of a legal help group written down in your pocket/on your person.
• Do not engage with counter-protesters, when possible, or if you do–keep it positive: the focus should be on the message of LGBTQ resistance, rights, and joy. 

Whether or not you can make this particular event, I strongly implore you to seek out any and all ways of getting involved: speak out, contact your legislators, support LGBTQ-led organizations doing the work (with your time, your money, your skills, or whatever you can offer). This is a nationwide and also deeply local issue. And it is URGENT.

One specific (and fun!) way to help? Tune in for and donate to my friend Mercury Stardust’s upcoming Tik-Tok-a-Thon to raise money for trans healthcare. The event runs March 30 through 31, but you can donate in advance here (and learn more about what the money will do). Then be sure to tune in via the Tik Tok and/or Instagram accounts of Mercury or her co-host, Jory, for the livestream!

—Emily Mills