Tag: human-rights

Community Gathers in Grand Rapids for Trans Day of Visibility Rally

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — April 6, 2025 — A diverse crowd gathered Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Grand Rapids for the “Protest For Progress: Trans Day of Visibility Rally.” The event aimed to shine a light on the lives and experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals, and to call for increased visibility, protection, and understanding in a time of growing political tension.

The rally featured speeches from community members, activists, and advocates, many of whom spoke passionately about the challenges facing trans individuals in the current political climate. The central theme throughout the afternoon was clear: trans people are here, they are real, and they deserve to live openly and without fear.

One speaker captured the spirit of the day in a powerful spoken word-style message:
“We are vast like an open sea and lonely like an elegy. We are visibility. We are more than we appear, more than objects in your mirror. We are alive and we are here. We are real and we are queer.”

Attendees emphasized that Trans Day of Visibility is not just a celebration, but also a call to action. “We’re here to be visible. We’re here to be seen,” said another speaker. “And we’re here to look at the world and say: trans people are real, and you will absolutely never bully us out of existence.”

Organizers and participants voiced concern about what they view as a growing wave of anti-trans legislation across the United States. According to multiple advocacy groups, dozens of states have introduced bills in recent years that would restrict healthcare access, participation in public life, and legal recognition for transgender individuals.

While the rally primarily focused on trans rights, some speakers connected the struggle to broader global and domestic issues. References were made to the plight of civilians in Gaza, challenges faced by immigrants, and violence against women worldwide—highlighting a shared resistance to what speakers described as “systems of oppression.”

One participant remarked, “We can only fight transphobia by fighting against racism, sexism, and all the other forms of oppression. Likewise, we can only fight oppression, ultimately, by uniting our movements.”

Following the speeches, demonstrators lined Fulton Street in front of the park, waving LGBTQ+ flags and holding handmade signs with slogans such as “Protect Trans Youth,” “Celebrate Trans Lives,” “Trans is beautiful” and “Trans Rights Are Human Rights.” Chants echoed across downtown as passing drivers honked in solidarity.

Sunday’s rally was a visible and vocal display of support for transgender rights in Grand Rapids, reinforcing the belief among many attendees that showing up and speaking out remains more important than ever.

The event concluded peacefully, with attendees encouraging one another to stay active, stay hopeful, and stay visible.

Hundreds Rally in Grand Rapids for Human Rights

Marcher line up to take to the streets of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS — The streets of downtown Grand Rapids echoed with chants of “¡Sí se puede!” and “Aquí estamos” on the afternoon of Saturday, February 1, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered for the Stand Up & Fight Back rally. Organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (GRAARPR), the rally aimed to highlight issues impacting marginalized communities under the current administration, particularly immigrant rights and Palestinian lives.

The demonstration began at Fountain Street Church, where local organizers and community leaders addressed the crowd before leading a march through downtown. Protesters held signs high and voiced their concerns over policies they believe disproportionately affect immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.


Among the marchers was Marianna Silva, who attended the rally in honor of her immigrant parents. “My parents are immigrants, but it’s okay. They’re out here making the world better for me,” Silva said. “It actually makes my heart bigger. It makes my heart melt. There are so many people out here who have immigrant parents, and they’re standing in solidarity. That’s how it should always be.”

Yasmin Montoya echoed that sentiment, saying she was marching to be a voice for her parents. “I want to be their voice, since they really can’t use theirs as much as they’d like to. I’m here to advocate for them and for our community,” Montoya said. “It’s a blessing to see so many people coming together to support one another.”

For Sherlyn A., the event was an emotional experience shared across borders. “My parents came to this country legally, and they work hard every day,” she said. “I was just on FaceTime with my dad, showing him all the people who came out to support. He looked like he wanted to cry.”


The rally brought together over a dozen organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, and GR Rapid Response to ICE. Organizers emphasized the importance of unity among different movements fighting for justice.

“We have to stand in solidarity with all these different movements,” said Julian Cortez of GRAARPR. “We’ve already seen a lot of executive orders, and we see the direction this administration wants to take the country. We are standing here to say we are not going to take it.”

Cortez highlighted that the fight is far from over. “We are here standing in solidarity with the Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ community, with Palestinians, with Black lives, and with workers’ rights. This is only the beginning.”


Saturday’s rally marked the first large-scale protest in Grand Rapids since the new administration took office, but organizers made it clear it would not be the last.

“We cannot let fear make us apathetic,” one organizer told the crowd. “Let’s make 2025 the people’s year.”

As the marchers returned to Fountain Street Church, the energy remained high, with many attendees discussing ways to stay involved and continue the fight for human rights. With the momentum gained from this event, activists in Grand Rapids are making it clear: they are ready to stand up, fight back, and keep pushing for change.