As I passed through the US border in March, I was terrified. Having recently changed my gender on my passport to X, during a period of a new “president” law-maker, there is a potential to ban me from entering with the accusation of fraudulent paperwork. All for a little alphabetical letter.
I don’t think I am terrifying—let alone do I think others are who fall under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella. My journey to Baltimore, Maryland was just beginning. Strutting through the airports heavily guarding myself behind my veteran card, daypack with Navy crests, and a sweater I’ve had since my military basic training, I couldn’t help but feel empty.
I live fearlessly here in our country. Dyed hair, cut to the skin and a mullet to match. I wear my pride pins. I kiss my girlfriend and hold hands. I perform in drag. I could shout “I’M GAY” outside and the looks I’d receive would only be for yelling. But this shift in energy could not be ignored as I travelled to what I am naming the Forbidden Land—or as you know it: the USA.
On March 8, a rally was held at the Washington Circle in Washington, DC. I was lucky enough to attend with many others in and out of drag to show support for all drag performers across the Forbidden Land. Milord Henry (@milord_henry) was a focal point to making this march happen. With organizing, hosting, ensuring a safe route and guides were available for the walk, harm reduction, bike supports to block roadways, and a chance to dance with pride afterward, this was no small feat to pull together.
Some beautiful words were said by guest speakers before the march and there was so much love and awe throughout the crowd. Voices from MasVusi—Brooke N. Hyme, Crystal Edge, Indiana Bones, and others—promoted a circle of safety among us. They represented the joy of drag and offered insight to allies and lended passersby a look into how the president’s laws affect the daily lives and safety of our community. How we are no harm to anyone. How we deserve to live a life just as anyone else: with unconditional love as humans. Just as we are.
The march from Washington Square to Kennedy Center went on without a snag. Chanting held strong from start to finish. “Who’s streets? Our Streets!” and ‘Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!” were some of the loudest chants, filling any empty space on roads and echoing through laneways. Over 800 strong.
The strength felt through a crowd of people all marching to support the lives of others, and themselves, is truly a powerful thing to be part of and witness.
This is a word and reminder that politics should not govern sacred bodies. Our bodies are our own. We know ourselves better than anyone else.
This world operates better on kindness than hatred, and even Canada could become the Forbidden Land if we are not wise to vote for the right individuals. We will always rally and fight back. There is always space for queer, trans, and disabled bodies.
Over the land and through the sea we are all equal. When treated less than, we have a right to speak out and protect our power. There is power in supporting one another, loving one another, and opening our minds and hearts to those that may look different to ourselves, and who may believe in different things. But at the end of the day, the world survives and thrives not on hatred, but on kindness.