Standing Up For America

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, my partner and I trekked down to Denver to take part in a protest against the actions and policies of the new American government. The 2025 Day Without Immigrants was brought about by grassroots organizers to show The Powers That Be (TPTB™) that real Americans are affected by the draconian “America First” misogynistic and racist policies being implemented.

(C) 2025, JJ Shaun
Protesters gathered at the state capital in Denver on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

I didn’t want to go. I felt I had to go. My partner and I have children, grandchildren, family, friends, and neighbors affected by these changes. The gay grandchildren are already targets, and so far the potential of abuse has been held at bay. We went for the people who couldn’t. Now that the haters have permission, I fear for their safety. We met trans people fearful of their lives, along with gay, lesbian, Black, Brown, and disabled people concerned that their welfare and safety is now at risk.

The “mainstream” media is so afraid their profits will suffer, or, more likely, that they’ll be litigated into oblivion because an overgrown toddler can’t stand criticism that they relegated themselves to the sidelines. I’m tired. My partner and I have been fighting for Equality for All for decades and it’s getting old. Every generation, we start over. Some of our younger sisters and brothers in the community recognize what we’ve been doing for decades, others are finding out who’s really on their side.

Several hours after arriving, we headed back to the parking lot. We stepped into an adjacent tavern and bellied up to the bar. Being who we are, we struck up conversations with people around us. Before long, six strangers sitting in a bar told each other their stories and exchanged information. We’ve promised to let our new friends know next time we make it to Denver.

Because my partner and I are both radical humanists, we will drive to the city for the next protest to once more lend our voices to the resistance. We’ve seen this movie before. It doesn’t end well.