LGBTQ+ rights activists, led by the Gender Liberation Movement (GLM), staged a bold protest on Capitol Hill to oppose policies that bar transgender individuals from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identity.
The demonstrations included a sit-in near Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) office and a dance protest, shining a spotlight on the fight for bodily autonomy and gender equity.
More than a dozen activists occupied bathrooms near Speaker Johnson’s office, chanting slogans like “Flush Bathroom Bigotry” and holding banners demanding equal rights. GLM founder Raquel Willis led a group of transgender women into the women’s restroom to stage the peaceful protest, where they washed their hands and continued their chants.
Among those arrested during the sit-in was Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and whistleblower, demonstrating solidarity with the movement.
Speaker Johnson’s bathroom restrictions mandate access based on biological sex, a policy championed by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.). Mace, known for her vocal opposition to transgender rights and frequent misgendering of trans women, has pushed legislation to enforce these bans on federal property.
Observers view these policies as a response to the recent election of Sarah McBride (D-Del.), who will become the first openly transgender member of Congress in January. Despite opposing the policy, McBride has stated she will comply, calling the debate “a distraction from urgent legislative priorities.”
In addition to the sit-in, activists staged a dance protest in a Capitol restroom the day before. Participants wore shirts declaring, “Transgender people are not dangerous. You are,” sending a pointed message to Mace and her supporters. Videos of the protest went viral, spreading the movement’s call for dignity and equality.
Mace has faced criticism and alleged death threats in response to her stance but has doubled down, even fundraising with merchandise featuring restroom-related imagery and inflammatory slogans. Her use of derogatory language on social media has drawn widespread condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocates.
This protest comes at a crucial time for transgender rights in the United States. As lawmakers, activists, and allies continue to clash over equality, representation, and bodily autonomy, the issue remains at the forefront of national politics.
The protests sent a resounding message: transgender individuals and their allies will not back down in the face of discrimination. Through sit-ins, dance, and resilience, the fight for trans rights pushes forward.
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