No Kings!

Sienna Parmelee
Jun 14
3 min read

A snapshot of New York City and Grand Rapids No Kings protests

We are an LGBTQ+ publication that has focused a significant portion of our efforts on reporting on Donald Trump and the injustices of his administration. Today, in Michigan and New York, we joined thousands of Americans around the world in the No Kings protest.

15,000 protesters took to the streets in Grand Rapids, marching from Rosa Parks Circle, around the city, and back, shouting "No Kings," "This is Community," and "This is Democracy," and holding up signs that read "We the People" and "No Tyrants." Cars surrounded and followed the routes with signs out the windows and horns blaring.

Through mutual aid action presented on stage and solidarity for Palestine Grand Rapids, the core of this event was community and teaching the community how to take this moment of inspiration and create change.

One attendee stated, "I think protests are a great way to get connected…I learned of a new ICE detention center being constructed near my city, followed by when and where to get involved to combat."

"I think protests are a great way to get connected…I learned of a new ICE detention center being constructed near my city, followed by when and where to get involved to combat."

They were referring to the second largest ICE detention center in the country being built in Baldwin, MI, run for profit by GEO Group. Michigan protesters will rally on the opening of the facility to protest in solidarity with those detained and can sign up at: https://www.mobilize.us/manisteedemocraticparty/event/796169/

In New York, the rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits as multiple protests took place, including the largest one, which began at Bryant Park and drew over 25,000 people. From chants to cheers, the crowd marched through Manhattan carrying unique handmade signs, with messages like "Feel The Urgency," "No thrones, no crowns, no kings," "Courage is contagious," and many wore. Numerous volunteers distributed information about the upcoming New York City mayoral election, as well as details about recent ICE detentions.

Grand Rapids No Kings Photo Gallery:

New York No Kings Photo Gallery:

While we joined thousands in protesting today, the fight continues every day. We have compiled a list of various resources to assist the community and recommend that anyone interested in protesting do so safely and continue to show up for their community and country.

LGBTQ+ Resources:

Project Open Arms - This group in the pacific northwest helps trans and nonbinary coming from red states. As their site says, “We can help you navigate the relocation process, including finding community connections, employment opportunities, gender-affirming healthcare, and more.”

North Texas TRANSportation Network - “Provides travel and relocation grants to North Texas families seeking out-of-state health care for trans and gender-expansive youth.”

Rainbow Railroad - “Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, we’re an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm.”

Trans Youth Emergency Project - “Our team provides 1-on-1 custom patient navigation services to unimpacted providers and supports families of transgender youth with emergency grants to help them travel for care.”

The Trevor Project - “The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.”

Immigration Resources:

National Immigration Legal Services Directory - A resource to search for immigration legal services by state, county, or detention facility.

Know Your Rights: What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration - This downloadable legal information guide provides important information on what to do if you are arrested or detained by immigration.

International Resources:

Denizens Society Global - A nonprofit supporting those impacted by war and displacement. They currently are focused on Gazan family relief, providing dental care, and preserving Palestinian culture.

Doctors Without Borders - Worldwide this organization is providing humanitarian assistance to those in need. This includes Sudan which is currently experiencing intense violence, forcing 1 in 5 Sudanese to flee their homes.

Climate Action Network - “Climate Action Network (CAN) is a global network of more than 1,900 civil society organisations in over 130 countries driving collective and sustainable action to fight the climate crisis and to achieve social justice. CAN convenes and coordinates civil society at the UN climate talks and other international fora.”