Photos: Trans Rights Advocates Rally To Decry Discriminatory Bathroom Policies

By Rachel Cromidas in News on Feb 26, 2017 6:00AM

Despite the cold, scores of LGBTQ rights advocates rallied in Boystown on Chicago's North Side Saturday afternoon to decry the Trump administration's discriminatory stance on trans students' bathroom usage, and to show solidarity with trans Chicagoans who have been victims of violence and hate.

The rally and march, which convened at the intersection of Halsted and Roscoe streets, was specifically organized to protest the Trump administration's directive to repeal protections for trans youth using public school restrooms. Organizers also wrote that they march "for Keke Collier," a black trans woman who was murdered in Chicago last week, "and all the trans victims of color who have been lost to senseless violence spurred by transphobia."

Organizers also encouraged attendees to peel off after 1 p.m. to attend the Latinx rally in the Loop, and to attend another trans rights-focused protest on March 3:

"Wednesday, the transgender community saw a devastating setback on their path to full equality. Obama administration guidance protecting trans youth in public schools is no more. The Trump administration continues on its path of intolerance and hate, and because of that we must all stand up together for all members of the trans community including those who consider themselves as gender non-conforming, cisgendered, bi-gendered, Two Spirit, intersex, cross-dressers, queer, non-binary, drag kings or queens, queer, questioning, as well as the GLB community. Trans folx of color are at particular risk due to the actions of the current administration. Minorities are at risk under this administration, and this is why we must unite, we must march! We will be hosting speakers, please contact Kevin Borrini Morrison if you would like to be added to the lineup. We will be meeting at the corner of Roscoe and Halsted in the parking lot of the 7-11. Speeches will begin at noon, and at one we will take to the sidewalks marching down halsted. Invite all, share this far and wide. The movement unites this Saturday in Boystown. We will not allow Trump to move this country backwards.

We march for Keke Collier and all the trans victims of color who have been lost to senseless violence spurred by transphobia.

There is a large Latinxs Against Trump Protest at 2PM in the loop, and in solidarity with this event, we will begin marching at 1PM to allow supporters to join in on this event. https://www.facebook.com/events/250986221999501/

We also want to shout out another incredible event being hosted on March 3rd! Hope all can attend the Trans Liberation Protest hosted by 3/3.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1933015373598471/"