“Stand up, fight back” Chicago Shows Up for Transgender Day of Visibility

On Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, around 5,000 people gathered at Federal Plaza to rally for trans rights. Many speakers called for action and solidarity, and the large crowd was not deterred by the rainfall that poured over them while marching.

The rally and march was organized by Trans Up Front, Illinois’ only trans and deaf led coalition.

“Accessibility is one of our core values,” said Asher McMaher, the Executive Director of Trans Up Front.

A sign-language interpreter stood in front of the crowd to translate all of the speakers. Additionally, certain people held up signs indicating they were there to assist anyone with a disability who needed help marching.

Trans Up Front focuses on translating dense legislation into an accessible way for readers who are unfamiliar with the legal system. Additionally, they provide community-funded legal aid to transgender individuals.

“When it comes to medical access, legal name change, we work with so many organizations to provide pro-bono care,” said McMaher. “We do not believe in having a financial barrier between anyone’s right to exist, to be advocated for, to navigate and to get access to information.”

“In previous years, I was getting about 100 requests a year for advocacy,” McMaher added. “We are about to reach 700 since Jan. 20. People are scared.”

“When trans people are under attack what do we do?” said Precious Brady-Davis, commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

“Stand up fight back,” the crowd erupted in response.

“You see the people here? We aren’t going anywhere,” said Brady-Davis. “Our community was here long before you and we will be here long after you.”

“I stand on the great shoulders of Harvey Milk, of Silvia Rivera, of Marsha P. Johnson,” Brady-Davis continued. “Let me tell you, we are resilient people. Don’t you dare tell us we don’t belong in every sector of society. From the boardroom to the bathroom, quit playing with us. Our lives matter, and we deserve to be treated with dignity and decency.”

Kelly Cassidy, state representative of the 14th District, encouraged onlookers to hold elected officials accountable for supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

“Don’t let people say we lost the election because of trans people because that is a fucking lie,” Cassidy said. “If you don’t have the spine for this fight, sit down. Sit the fuck down!”

“We will not let Christian nationalism and white supremacy bring us back to the shadows of our society,” said Reyna Ortiz, program director of Task Force Chicago. “We refuse. The time of shame and fear is over.”

A group of three transgender children led a moment of silence for trans individuals who are no longer with us. The once loud crowd bowed their heads in honor, letting the silence overtake the space.

The contingency of the march took up two and a half blocks, halting traffic on Dearborn Street and southbound Michigan Ave.

Headed down Dearborn, the crowd passed the Illinois Attorney General’s office. Originally, the march planned to stop at Trump Tower but due to weather, protesters continued progressing on the route.

The route circled back to Federal Plaza, with speakers and drums loudly proclaiming their solidarity and call for action. The rally and march lasted for four hours and concluded at 4 p.m.

“I felt strongly about leaving people where they started,” said McMaher. “We had so many families and parents of trans individuals that were from all over the state and we know, especially given our organization primarily serves youth and their families, that they already feel anxious about coming downtown and we wanted to lead them back to where they knew their cars were so they could get back safely.”

The rally had a long list of endorsements from organizations like GLAAD, and even some closer to home like Elmhurst Pride Collective.

“Get involved,” said McMaher. They encourage people to join Trans Up Front’s email list for updates on Illinois legislation and Land for Legal, which focuses on a national standpoint. Additionally, you can attend any of their town hall meetings, as they routinely speak out.