In response to what they called a “hate rally,” queer and trans activists and supporters gathered at the Olympia state capitol, April 6, to celebrate gender nonconformity. Anti-trans legislation has popped up across the country in recent years, with 544 bills introduced so far in 2024, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker. Five anti-trans bills were brought to the Washington Legislature in the 2023–2024 session, including one called “Protecting the childhood of children,” which would have made law a parent’s right to “direct the education and care of [their] minor child.” The conservative rally had several hundred participants, according to photographer George Hickey. The counterprotest, he said, was festive and lively.
Henry Behrens is the arts editor of Real Change. They handle the arts coverage and design the weekly print paper. Contact them at [email protected].
Read more of the April 24–30, 2024 issue.