Milwaukee, WI – Community members gathered for a screening of Preconceived on April 12 to learn about the dangers of crisis pregnancy centers.

Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee (RJAM) hosted a screening of the documentary followed by a discussion as a part of their Crisis Pregnancy Centers Out of MKE campaign.

Crisis pregnancy centers are also known as unregulated pregnancy centers or fake abortion clinics. Crisis pregnancy centers are clinics in buildings or mobile vans which claim to be reproductive health clinics but are actually run by anti-abortion activists who trick pregnant people seeking abortions into keeping their pregnancy, using deceitful means. Currently there are 50-plus crisis pregnancy centers in Wisconsin and only five legitimate clinics offering abortion care.

With promises of financial and community support for keeping the baby, the CPCs are able to draw in pregnant women before promptly abandoning the new parent and baby once the child is born.

These “clinics” are strategically placed next to Planned Parenthood locations, in predominantly Black, Chicano and low-income communities. One of the anti-abortion activists interviewed in the documentary brags about specifically targeting Vietnamese and indigenous communities.

In addition to strategic placement, CPCs use religious imagery, language, and shame to convince people to either avoid or “reverse” an abortion. CPCs will give progesterone to “reverse” an abortion pill regime. When this procedure was being researched the entire program was halted due to the danger to participants. Real doctors and medical professionals would not recommend this course of action to a patient.

The showing of Preconceived is just one part of RJAM’s CPCs Out of MKE campaign. Using direct action, RJAM works to bring attention to and educate community members on crisis pregnancy centers and the harm they cause to reproductive health.

RJAM shut down Alliance Family Services early on their opening day in 2025. RJAM is currently supporting the Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unauthorized Access to Reproductive Data (SAFEGUARD) Act in the Wisconsin state legislature. This act will give patients power to take back control of their private health information from these deceitful CPCs.

Additionally, it will force CPCs to disclose that they are not HIPAA-compliant, to obtain written permission to share data, and to disclose instances of data breach. Visit cpcsoutofmke.com to learn more about how to support reproductive justice work in Wisconsin.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #WomensMovement #ReproductiveRights #Abortion #RJAM

Milwaukee, WI – On Tuesday, March 31, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee held a rally for Trans Day of Visibility. The event took place at the UWM library and was co-sponsored by Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

This rally started on a somber note, with local trans musicians playing songs of solidarity and hope.

Sasha Gurin from SDS spoke to his experience as a trans youth and the importance of the student movement’s fight for equality of gender in schools. He too spoke of the need for the queer and trans community to fight back against Trump’s agenda, telling attendees that the struggle for trans liberation is principally one against the Trump agenda, and it is on us to unite with the struggles for Palestinian liberation, immigrant rights, and countless others.

A member of Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee stated, “Our work for reproductive justice does not exist without the fight for trans rights.” They then spoke to today’s present fight, and the work to be done. “While trans folks are visible, they're not all protected, and visibility without protection just leaves people vulnerable. It leaves people vulnerable to attacks, and harm, to hate and violence, vulnerable to supreme court rulings like the one that just came in this morning.”

This event came the same day as a dangerous Supreme Court ruling which overturned Colorado’s law banning conversion therapy for minors. This dangerous ruling sets precedent for similar rulings in 26 other states with similar laws. While the attacks from the Trump administration continue, so do the defenses of the people.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #TransDayofVisibility #LGBTQ #Trans #SDS #StudentMovement #WomensMovement

Tacoma, WA – On March 31, over 30 people took to the streets to rally for transgender rights. Community members spoke on the importance of Transgender Day of Visibility, and how it intersects with the working class, climate justice, and indigenous sovereignty. After speeches, a short march, and an indigenous cultural offering from a two-spirit person, people filled the municipal building to speak during the city council meeting.

On the city’s agenda was a Transgender day of Visibility proclamation fought for by community organizers and signed by the mayor and city council.

This rally and march were called by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and also came in response to a Supreme Court decision to re-legalize conversion therapy. Many community members feared how this could impact them at home and at work.

Haze Bender, a union warehouse worker with Teamsters Local 174, said, “Everything we do is informed and impacted by our relationship to production. As workers under capitalism, we have a lot more commonality than differences with the people we work alongside. Remember, most of our oppression is coming from the people above, rather than the people alongside us.” Bender stressed the importance of trans and working class solidarity.

“The United States government sent us [to boarding schools], along with all Indians, where they criminalized our languages, changed our names, and attempted to erase our way of being,” said River Bandi, a two-spirit speaker from the Ojibwa and Odawa First Nations. “They did not succeed. My existence is a testament to the resilience of my ancestors.”

“My mom told me growing up, if you marry another woman, or if you marry somebody that is not Latin, I will disown you,” said Amelia Isabel Escobedo, a two-spirit person with the Brown Berets. She rejected that narrow view, saying instead “You are a part of me and I am a part of you. And we are family.”

Tacomans made it clear that they would not sit down while the Trump administration continued to attack trans rights. After chants of “Trans rights now,” over ten people took the energy of the rally into city council chambers to demand material protections for trans people in Tacoma.

“So on this Transgender Day of Visibility, I ask you to do more than see us,” Dez Chalfant said to the city council in chambers. “Stand with us. Fight with us. Protect us. Because we are not going anywhere.” Chalfant is a rank-and-file member of UFCW 367 and a representative on the Pierce County Central Labor Council.

During the council meeting chants of “When trans rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!” echoed through the building, reminding the council that the residents of Tacoma is ready and willing to fight for trans people. The city of Tacoma passed the proclamation for Trans Day of Visibility.

#TacomaWA #WA #TransDayOfVisibility #LGBTQ #Trans #WomensMovement

Los Ángeles, CA – El 8 de marzo, más de 150 personas se reunieron en el Ayuntamiento de Boyle Heights para asistir a la novena celebración anual del Día Internacional de la Mujer organizada por Centro CSO. El evento de este año contó con puestos de comida y un panel de conversación con oradoras de las diferentes áreas de trabajo de Centro CSO, como inmigración, educación y brutalidad policial. La Dra. Rocío Rivas, miembro de la junta directiva del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles (LAUSD) que defiende a la segunda jurisdicción escolar más grande del país contra la privatización, fue la oradora principal del evento.

Jenny Bekenstein, miembro de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad, explicó cómo el Día Internacional de la Mujer se desarrolló en paralelo a la lucha contra el capitalismo y la explotación de los trabajadores. Bekenstein, quien también es miembro del sindicato Teamsters en UPS, dijo, “¡El Día Internacional de la Mujer tiene una historia de mujeres que se enfrentaron a sus jefes, organizaron huelgas, salieron a las calles y lucharon contra la opresión!”

Centro CSO también destacó las demandas de derechos reproductivos para todas, el fin de la violencia de género, la liberación LGBTQ, igual salario por igual trabajo, la legalización para todos y el fin de los crímenes policiales.

Luego, el público escuchó a un panel de activistas que incluyó a Isabella Rivera, madre de Jeremy Flores, quien fue asesinado por la policía de LAPD en la división Hollenbeck en 2025; Antonieta García, copresidenta del comité de educación de CSO, quien organiza la lucha contra la expansión de las escuelas charter en el Este de Los Ángeles; Destiny Martínez, activista del sindicato Teamsters en UPS; y Verita Topete, activista por los derechos de los inmigrantes y copresidenta del Comité de Inmigración de CSO.

Las panelistas compartieron cómo comenzaron en el activismo y cómo es ser mujeres que luchan por causas como la educación pública, la justicia contra los crímenes policiales, los derechos de los inmigrantes y el trabajo dentro del movimiento laboral.

Verita Topete, cuyo padre estuvo detenido durante muchos años en el Centro de Detención de Adelanto, dijo, “Centro CSO organizó un hermoso evento por el Día Internacional de la Mujer que creó un espacio para pequeños negocios locales de mujeres chicanas y reunió a un poderoso panel de chicanas que realizan un trabajo importante en sus comunidades. Escuchamos a mujeres que se organizan por la rendición de cuentas policial, la educación, los derechos laborales y de los inmigrantes. Fue un honor compartir espacio con mujeres que están en la primera línea de estas luchas. El salón estaba lleno de mujeres que se fueron sintiéndose vistas, apoyadas y empoderadas”.

Cuando se le preguntó sobre el evento, Kate Regan, moderadora del panel, maestra de escuela pública y activista, dijo, “El Día Internacional de la Mujer no solo es motivo de celebración, sino también un importante llamado a la acción. Nuestro evento fue una hermosa muestra de agradecimiento por el trabajo que ya se ha realizado, y también una fuente de inspiración alegre para las mujeres y niñas que aún no han encontrado su voz única en la lucha. Nos empoderamos mutuamente al compartir nuestras historias de fuerza y resiliencia”.

La Dra. Rocío Rivas, miembro de la junta directiva del LAUSD y una fuerte aliada de Centro CSO cerró el evento reconociendo las contribuciones de las mujeres a la protección de la educación pública contra la privatización. Rivas se postula para la reelección este año y ha recibido el respaldo de Centro CSO debido a sus esfuerzos para detener el crecimiento de las escuelas charter.

Centro CSO invita a todas las personas que quieran luchar contra la agenda racista y reaccionaria de Trump a su reunión general mensual a las 6 p.m. en el Ayuntamiento de Boyle Heights.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #CentroCSO #WomensMovement #InternationalWomensDay

Declaración del Día de la Visibilidad Trans por el Equipo de Trabajo del Movimiento LGBTQ y de las Mujeres de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad

En el Día de la Visibilidad Transgénero, la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad se une a las masas de personas transgénero que se niegan a ser borradas de la vida pública. Este último año hubo una escalada de órdenes ejecutivas anti-trans del gobierno de Trump y legislación reaccionaria en estados de todo el país. La lucha por la visibilidad ha sido ardua y debe ser defendida. Ahora es el momento de salir a las calles para exigir la liberación trans.

Los ataques contra la atención médica para personas trans han tomado un lugar central en la agenda anti-LGBTQ de Trump. Mientras 27 estados ya han aprobado leyes para limitar la atención de afirmación de género para jóvenes trans, Trump busca prohibir esta atención médica en todo el país bloqueando los fondos de Medicaid y Medicare para todos los servicios en hospitales que también brinden atención pediátrica de afirmación de género. Trump ha dado a los hospitales un ultimátum: terminen sus programas de atención de afirmación de género para jóvenes o enfrenten la bancarrota. Esto ya ha resultado en una pausa de la atención en muchos centros, incluso en aquellos estados donde la atención de afirmación de género para jóvenes aún está protegida por la ley local.

El Tribunal del Cuarto Circuito, cuyos jueces fueron designados por Trump, lleva estos ataques un paso más allá al dictaminar que el programa de Medicaid de Virginia Occidental puede excluir la cobertura de todos los procedimientos de atención de afirmación de género, incluso para adultos que dan su consentimiento. La decisión abre la puerta a prohibiciones similares en otros estados. Esto nunca se trató de proteger a los niños. Los ataques contra los jóvenes trans erosionan la autonomía corporal de todas las personas trans, y estamos viendo cómo los verdaderos planes de las fuerzas reaccionarias toman forma en tiempo real. Nuestros enemigos buscan eliminar por completo la atención de afirmación de género y borrar a las personas trans de la existencia, y debemos luchar contra ellos en todos los frentes.

Los derechos civiles de las personas trans en Estados Unidos son extremadamente desiguales y precarios. Las leyes varían de un estado a otro. En Kansas, las licencias de conducir de las personas trans están siendo revocadas de manera masiva. Por el contrario, en Minnesota, se aprobó una ley de refugio trans para proteger a pacientes y proveedores de atención de afirmación de género. Dependiendo de dónde vivan, las personas trans enfrentan leyes sobre baños y prohibiciones en deportes, son desgenerizadas a la fuerza en las escuelas, quedan desprotegidas contra la discriminación laboral, y más. Pero esta polarización también ofrece un terreno fértil para las semillas de la lucha. La resistencia organizada es la única manera de derrotar estos ataques, defender nuestros logros y mejorar verdaderamente las condiciones de vida de las personas trans.

En todo el país, miembros de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad han liderado la lucha por la liberación trans mediante protestas contra los recortes a la atención de afirmación de género, oponiéndose a leyes anti-LGBTQ, movilizando a sus comunidades contra los crímenes de odio y exigiendo justicia por las vidas trans arrebatadas. OSCL participa en eventos anuales por el Día de la Visibilidad Trans, el Día de la Memoria Trans, así como en protestas durante el Mes del Orgullo que reviven el espíritu revolucionario de Stonewall. Las campañas para reducir el costo de los cambios de nombre y fortalecer los recursos de santuario para refugiados trans mantienen viva la lucha por la liberación trans durante todo el año. Donde la gente se organiza y lucha, hay victorias por ganar.

En su acelerado declive, el imperio estadounidense seguirá lanzando ataques represivos contra los pueblos trabajadores y oprimidos como un medio para evitar el cambio revolucionario. Debemos ayudar a quienes luchan por cualquier tipo de liberación a ver la liberación trans como entrelazada con la suya propia. La visibilidad es solo el comienzo. Un día, las personas trans serán más que visibles—tendrán el poder político para tomar sus destinos en sus propias manos.

#TransDayofVisibility #LGBTQ #WomensMovement

Trans Day of Visibility Statement by the Women’s & LBGTQ Work Team of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization

On Transgender Day of Visibility, Freedom Road Socialist Organization unites with the masses of transgender people who refuse to be erased from public life. This past year saw an escalation in anti-trans Executive Orders from the Trump administration and reactionary legislation in states across the country. The struggle for visibility has been hard-fought and must be defended. Now is the time to hit the streets to demand trans liberation.

Attacks on trans healthcare have taken center stage in Trump’s anti-LGBTQ agenda. While 27 states have already enacted laws to limit gender affirming care for trans youth, Trump intends to ban this healthcare nationwide by blocking Medicaid and Medicare funding for all services at hospitals that also provide pediatric gender-affirming care. Trump has given hospitals an ultimatum: end their youth gender-affirming care programs or face bankruptcy. Already, this has resulted in a pause in care at many facilities, including those in states where gender-affirming care for youth is still protected under local law.

The Trump-appointed 4th Circuit Court takes these attacks a step further, ruling that West Virginia’s Medicaid program can exclude coverage of all gender-affirming care procedures, even for consenting adults. The decision opens the door for similar bans in other states. This was never about protecting children. Attacks on trans youth chip away at the bodily autonomy of all trans people, and we are seeing the true plans of reactionary forces take shape in real time. Our enemies seek to eliminate gender-affirming care in its entirety and to stamp trans people out of existence, and we must fight them on every front.

The civil rights of trans people in the United States are extremely uneven and precarious. Laws vary from state to state. In Kansas, the drivers licenses of trans people are being revoked en masse. Conversely, in Minnesota, a trans refuge bill was passed to protect patients and providers of gender-affirming care. Depending on where they live, trans people face bathroom bills and sports bans, are forcibly misgendered in schools, left unprotected from workplace discrimination, and more. But this polarization also offers fertile soil for the seeds of struggle. Organized resistance is the only way to beat back these attacks, defend our gains, and truly improve the conditions in the lives of transgender people.

Across the country, members of Freedom Road Socialist Organization have led the fight for trans liberation by protesting cuts to gender-affirming care, opposing anti-LGBTQ bills, rallying their communities against hate crimes, and demanding justice for stolen trans lives. FRSO is involved in yearly events for Trans Day of Visibility, Trans Day of Remembrance, as well as protests during Pride Month that revive the revolutionary spirit of Stonewall. Campaigns to lower the cost of name changes and bolster sanctuary resources for trans refugees ignite the struggle for trans liberation year-round. Where people stand and fight, there are victories to be won.

In its accelerating decline, the U.S. Empire will continue to launch repressive attacks against working and oppressed people as a means to prevent revolutionary change. We must help those fighting for liberation of any kind to see trans liberation as intertwined with their own. Visibility is only the beginning. One day, trans people will be more than visible—they will have the political power to take their destinies into their own hands.

#TransDayOfVisibility #Trans #LGBTQ #WomensMovement #PeoplesStruggles #Statement #FRSO

Chicago, IL – On Monday, March 16, UIC students gathered in the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center to learn about and discuss women’s and LGBTQ liberation and socialism.

Freedom Road Socialist Organization held the presentation and discussions to commemorate Women’s History Month by showing how both women and the LGBTQ community are oppressed by capitalism, and that both have an interest in fighting for socialism.

Speakers engaged the audience in discussion about how the rich benefit from gender-based exploitation in and out of the workplace. Audience members shared personal experiences of seeing how women in their life face gendered oppression in both their jobs and in their homes.

“LGBTQ equality presents a direct challenge to this oppressive system, and so LGBTQ people are also subject to severe repression, including discrimination in employment, housing, education, and healthcare, and denial of the right to marriage equality,” explained River Argyilan from FRSO.

Students also shared the stories of women fighters for liberation including Claudia Jones, a Black Trinidadian communist woman who was a dedicated leader within the Communist Party USA in the 1940s and 50s, as well as Marisol Marquez, an active Chicana revolutionary in California who is a member of FRSO.

Presenters recommended that students read Marisol Marquez’s pamphlet “My Journey to Aztlán,” which discusses her path to becoming a revolutionary Chicana activist, and to honor Women’s History Month by continuing to study and fight for women’s and LGBTQ liberation as an integral part of the struggle for socialism.

#ChicagoIL #IL #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #InternationalWomensDay #FRSO

Chicago, IL – On Sunday, March 8, hundreds of Chicagoans marched downtown from Daley Plaza to the Trump tower in support of International Women’s Day. Chicagoans gathered to protest against Trump’s attacks on women’s rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, the racist attacks by ICE, and the attacks on working-class and oppressed people.

Channyn Lynne Parker from Equality Illinois said, “Black women, I want to say I see you. Trans women, I see you. Every woman who has ever been told that you are too much and not enough at the same time, I see you.” Lynne Parker emphasized the importance of continuing to organize, lead, and fight for women's rights.

“If we stop fighting, we will see our rights taken from us,” said Lynne Parker.

“We are seeing families separated, neighbors kidnapped off the streets, mothers, sisters, daughters, pregnant women, friends who don't come home one day because they have been violently brutalized and abducted by the racist fucking gestapo, where they are further terrorized in ICE's detention facilities— or, let's call them what they are, veritable concentration camps!” said Kayla Nguyen, member of the Immigrant Rights Working Committee of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (IRWC of CAARPR).

“We will not stay silent. Women have been at the forefront of every struggle, in every fight for liberation and freedom for all and we will continue to fight united, across all fronts until we win,” rallied Nguyen.

Cristina Villarreal from Planned Parenthood highlighted the recent ICE attacks on immigrant communities and access to healthcare. “Today, our government is cutting access to evidence-based healthcare. Today, people who look just like me— entire communities— are afraid to leave their homes let alone go to the health centers to get the care they need. But we are not gonna stand idly by and let our rights be taken away. We are not powerless to fight back. We're motivated. We're here today because we care, and that energy can carry us far,” said Villarreal.

Lara Haddadin from the U.S Palestinian Community Action Network (USPCN) garnered praise and applause from the crowd, stating, “Today is International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian women, which is fitting. One of the things I'm here to talk about is how the Palestinian struggle for liberation has always and will always be a feminist and reproductive justice issue. Feminism, without an anti-imperialist lens, serves no one but the wealthy and the white. We cannot call ourselves feminists if we are voting for and supporting the same politicians bombing women in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. You cannot claim to be progressive if you do not support Palestinian liberation, which women have historically been at the forefront of fighting for generation after generation,” said Haddadin. She further detailed the skyrocketing rates of miscarriages, unsafe births, and lack of medical care in Gaza due to the Israeli genocide.

Haddadin then connected the deportations on immigrant communities across the U.S. and the genocide in Palestine to the local Illinois State Board of Investments (ISBI), which invests a 100 million of Illinoisans’ tax dollars in Israeli bonds and companies that support both ICE and the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Haddadin ended with a call for unity, stating, “Our struggles are interconnected as these various systems surveil, kidnap, and murder our loved ones with impunity. People are finally waking up to who is actually wearing the boot on their neck and I urge them all to get involved beyond large protests, because this system has always been rotten to its core, even before Trump. And it's going to take all of us united in order to defeat it.”

Louise Carhart from the Freedom Road Socialist organization (FRSO) echoed the calls to unity, saying “The only way forward is through a united front of oppressed and working-class peoples. We will not win by bending feminism to fit the parameters of capitalism or compromising on solidarity. I march with all of you because this fight will not be won in the courtroom, it will be won in the streets.”

The crowd then took to the streets and marched to Trump Tower as they chanted, “One, two, three, four! Gender violence, no more! Five, six, seven, eight! Empower people, not the state!”

The protest was endorsed by the U.S. Palestinian Community Action Network, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Planned Parenthood, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Chicago Abortion Fund, Arab American Action Network, Brave Space Alliance, Trans Up Front, and the Illinois Coalition for Human Rights.

#ChicagoIL #IL #WomensMovement #InternationalWomensDay

New Orleans, LA – On Sunday March 8 around 1 p.m., a crowd of around 40 community members rallied outside the Hale Boggs Federal Building and marched to City Hall for International Women’s Day. The action was called by the Queer and Trans Community Action Project (QTCAP).

“Donald Trump and Jeff Landry are openly organizing and openly having legislative aggression towards women. They are coming after reproductive rights. They are also coming after birth control pills,” Contessa Chenevert of QTCAP exclaimed. “They are also coming after queer people, trans people under the guise of family values. It is important to stand up for one another and to stand up for our communities internationally as our government continues to bomb women and children with our tax dollars.”

Sanaa Monterosso, a member of New Orleans Stop Helping Israel's Ports (NOSHIP) stated, “When we see women having their rights and voices reduced, we also see a girl’s school in Iran being bombed and martyred mothers of Palestine having their voices reduced and silenced. All women are under attack under capitalism.”

The crowd chanted, “How do you spell misogyny?! T-H-E G-O-P,” “International Women’s Day, immigrants built the USA!” as they marched to City Hall.

Juleea Berthelot, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, said, “The inequality that women and gender oppressed people face is systemic. It violates every inch of our lives. In the workplace, we face unequal gender division of labor which means super-exploitation that enriches the capitalists that run this country. The same capitalists that create or support laws that strip us of our rights and autonomy of our bodies. We need real change; we need a revolution because they are trying to strip us of our basic democratic rights!”

“The Trump administration has been using the rhetoric of ‘defending women’ to justify many of its repressive policies,” said Molly Frayle, a member of QTCAP. She promoted QTCAP’s campaign to make New Orleans a sanctuary city for women and LGBTQ people.

Frayle stated, “We know that the city council likes to make promises and do nothing. I don’t care if they feel bad enforcing Trump’s policies. Because at the end of the day, if they choose to be the hammers that Trump uses to smash our communities, they have picked a side and it’s the wrong side. QTCAP demands that our city council make New Orleans a safe haven for all LGBTQ people, women and families.”

#NewOrleansLA #LA #InternationalWomensDay #LGBTQ #WomensMovement

Minneapolis, MN – On Saturday, March 8, the Minnesota Abortion Action Committee (MNAAC), Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee and other partners hosted a protest and march on International Women’s Day at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. The protest drew over 500 people across generations and movements.

International Women's Day was born as a result of mass action by immigrant working women. These women walked out and began marching to demand better lives. The rights we have today came from people who refused to stay silent, refused to stay home, and refused to accept the conditions imposed on them. This International Women's Day, organizers in the Twin Cities demanded protection for our immigrant neighbors, opposition to U.S. militarism, community control of the police, freedom for the wrongfully incarcerated, resistance to U.S. imperialism across the globe, and trans liberation now.

An immigrant woman representing MIRAC stated, “All we want is peace – stop treating us like criminals and delinquents and start treating us like the workers that we are.” Other speakers detailed the horrors immigrant women face in detention centers, including, sexual assault, forced sterilization, and forced birth.

Nekima Levy Armstrong is a pastor, lawyer, and leader who was arrested earlier this year, celebrated the people’s unified response to Operation Metro Surge.

Isavela Lopez is an organizer in the Twin Cities who was abused by ICE in June. That abuse resulted in four federal charges which she is still fighting. During her speech, she linked immigration to U.S. imperialism. She spoke about how when the federal government destabilizes other countries, the families in those countries are forced to migrate.

An organizer with Women Against Military Madness stated, “War and regime change has never liberated women of other countries. Any attempt by the U.S. government to tell you that their bombing and killing campaigns abroad are for the safety of women is an outright lie.”

A representative of 50501 told the crowd, “Many people are just beginning to realize how discriminatory and racist these so-called public safety agencies are. But immigrant communities and communities of color have been dealing with the practices for a long time.”

Mona Samuels spoke about the brutal death of her sister. Minutes after the police left her sister with her abuser, she was shot 22 times and killed. Their cases show how racist and sexist the Minneapolis Police Department is, and why we need community control of the police.

Nicole Anschutz and Nicole Farias-Lezama spoke on behalf of the Planned Parenthood Union. Nicole Farias-Lezama said, “Eliminating trans rights reinforces traditional gender stereotypes and patriarchal systems that have historically oppressed women.”

This International Women's Day, many speakers highlighted the attacks on the transgender community, namely, in Kansas where trans people have had their drivers licenses revoked. On behalf of MNAAC, Natalie Berger introduced a new campaign that focuses on increasing support for trans refugees.

MNAAC’s next action is planned for Trans Day of Visibility. It will be held at Walker Library on March 31 at 6 p.m.

Beth Miller is a member of Minnesota Abortion Action Committee (MNAAC).

#MinneapolisMN #MN #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights

Colorado Springs, CO – On March 8, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) and the UCCS Feminist Club gathered at Colorado Springs City Hall to stand in solidarity with women impacted by repression, including abuse, police violence, and ICE deportations and harassment.

Around 100 people gathered at the rally, eager to show solidarity with survivors, support women’s liberation, and stand together against violence and oppression. Throughout the event, attendees shared conversations, resources, and messages of support, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Recent events also helped motivate community members to attend. Ongoing public attention surrounding the abuse and exploitation linked to Jeffrey Epstein has renewed conversations about systemic failures to protect victims of sexual violence and hold powerful figures accountable. Locally, community members have also pointed to the case of Micaela Pasillas, a survivor of domestic violence who was shot multiple times by police in Colorado Springs while attempting to escape an abusive partner. Organizers said these national and local incidents reflect broader concerns about violence against women.

“The violence perpetuated onto women is inseparable from the violence, policing, incarceration, and imprisonment of all oppressed peoples. The fight for female rights is the fight for liberation for all,” said Memphis Curry of COSAARPR. Curry also called on participants to continue organizing beyond the rally, reminding the crowd, “This fight is up to us; the responsibility does not fall on some imaginary hero.”

“When there are folks who are oppressed, dehumanized, and erased, we must shatter those chains because a blow to one is a blow to all,” said Sparrow McKinney of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Community members later marched from City Hall to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, chanting anti-ICE slogans and calling out Sheriff Joseph Roybal for cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Demonstrators gathered outside the sheriff’s office to voice opposition to ICE activity in the region and demand greater protections for immigrant communities.

Many carried signs reading “Stand with immigrant women” and “Stand with women impacted by police violence,” highlighting the rally’s focus on solidarity with those most affected by state violence. Protesters also led chants including “Stop the deportations, no family separation,” “From Minnesota to the 719, observing ICE is not a crime,” “They say no choice, we say pro-choice,” and “Donald Trump, you can’t lie – because of you women die.”

After the demonstration outside the building, the group marched back to City Hall, continuing chants and carrying signs in support of women’s liberation, immigrant rights and community safety.

The rally was organized as a coalition effort, with a wide range of organizations including About Face, BREAD Book Club, Colorado Rapid Response Network, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, General Strike Colorado, La Casa Colorado Indigenous Brown Berets, and the Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #ImmigrantRights

Los Angeles, CA – On March 8, over 150 people gathered at the Boyle Heights City Hall to attend Centro CSO’s ninth annual International Women’s Day celebration. This year’s event featured food vendors and a panel with speakers from Centro CSO’s different areas of work, such as immigration, education and police brutality. Dra. Rocio Rivas, an LAUSD school board member who defends the nation’s second largest district from privatization, served as the event’s keynote speaker.

Jenny Bekenstein, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, explained how International Women’s Day developed alongside the fight against capitalism and the exploitation of workers. Bekenstein, who is also a Teamster at UPS said, “International Women’s Day has a history of women standing up to their bosses, organizing strikes, taking people into the streets, and fighting back!”

Centro CSO also uplifted the demands of reproductive rights for all, an end to gender-based violence, liberation for LGBTQ, equal work for equal pay, legalization for all, and a stop to police crimes.

The audience then heard from a panel of activists including Isabella Rivera, the mother of Jeremy Flores who was killed by LAPD Hollenbeck in 2025; Antonieta Garcia, the co-chair of CSO’s education committee who organizes against the spread of charter schools in East LA; Destiny Martinez, a Teamster activist at UPS, and Verita Topete, an immigrant rights activist and co-chair of CSO’s Immigration Committee.

Panelists shared how they got involved in activism, and what it’s like to be women fighting for causes like public education, justice against police crimes, immigrant rights, and working in the labor movement.

Verita Topete, whose father was detained for many years at Adelanto Detention Center, said, “Centro CSO hosted a beautiful International Women’s Day event that created space for local Chicana-owned small businesses and brought together a powerful panel of Chicanas doing important work in their communities. We heard from women organizing around police accountability, education, labor and immigrant rights. It was an honor to share space with women who are on the frontlines of these fights. The room was filled with women who left feeling seen, supported and empowered.”

When asked about the event, panel moderator Kate Regan, a public school teacher and activist, said, “International Women’s Day is not just a cause for celebration, but also an important call to action. Our event was a beautiful display of appreciation for the work that has already been done, and also a joyous source of inspiration to the women and girls who have yet to find their unique voice in the struggle. We empower each other through sharing our stories of strength and resilience.”

Dra. Rocio Rivas, an LAUSD school board member and strong ally of Centro CSO, closed the event by recognizing women’s contributions to protecting public education from privatization. Rivas is running for re-election this year and has been endorsed by Centro CSO due to her efforts to stop the growth of charter schools.

Centro CSO invites all who want to fight back against Trump’s racist and reactionary agenda to its monthly general meeting at 6 p.m. at the Boyle Heights City Hall.

#LosAngelesCA #CA #WomensMovement #InternationalWomensDay #CentroCSO

Santa Ana, CA- On Saturday, March 7, about 50 community members rallied in El Salvador Park for International Women’s Day. Despite the intense gusts of Santa Ana winds, participants remained in high spirits. They condemned the many attacks on women and LGBTQ people by the Trump administration.

Rain Mendoza from CSO OC’s immigration committee kicked off the speeches and talked about the impact ICE terror, stating, “An example of this are the many women who have miscarried at detention centers, women who were sexually assaulted by ICE impersonators, and the rape of a Nicaraguan detainee at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.”

Rachel Pozos, co-founder of AlianzaTransLatinx talked about her experience living in Orange County as a trans, immigrant woman for the last 21 years. “I haven’t always been seen by society with the dignity I deserve. Even then, I get up every day with the force that my identity gives me.” Pozos added, “Being an immigrant has taught me to value my roots, to hold on to my culture, and remember that there are a lot of us who have crossed borders for a better future where we can be ourselves, without fear or shame.”

Local writer Anatalia Valdez presented spoken word poetry focused on ancestral connections and social justice. Posters honoring several women, including Emma Tenayuca, Renee Good and Dolores Huerta, were on the trees surrounding the crowd in the park.

Guadalupe Barragan, a resident and organizer of the Coach Royal mobile home park, energized the crowd with a fiery speech. “I live in a mobile home park and we are having a terrible time. The managers and the owners of the park harass the residents, they take their homes. There was even a death. This person ended up taking their own life. We need to stand up for our rights!” Barragan called out the owners of the park, stating, “The Kingsley corporation are murderers, thieves, and we are not going to allow it!”

While speeches went on, park users started to gather at the event to listen in. In the background, children made art at CSO OC’s childcare station.

The women fighting for justice for their loved ones killed by police were highlighted during the program. A statement by Erika Armenta was read. She is the wife of Noe Rodriguez, who was killed by Santa Ana Police in December 2024. She and her daughters have been driving the fight for justice and to hold the officers responsible accountable.

Pearl Arzola, sister of Albert Arzola who was killed by Anaheim Police in December of 2025 spoke on being a single mother of three while fighting for justice. “There are days where the weight feels heavy, where sleep is short, and when you question if you’re doing enough. But women keep going. Mothers keep going. We push forward. Not for ourselves but for our children and for the generations that come after us.”

A DJ set by Tan Tan Club played in the background of a program intermission as participants visited the organizational tables set up around the park. Francis Co. and the Lusitanos also performed music delivering stories of life in Santa Ana.

Hala Nakhoul of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) spoke about coming to the U.S. as a teenager, a choice made out of desperation by her mother, stating, “We thought that America was the land of the free and the home of the brave, but after over 40 years living in this country, it has been my experience that this is the land of proxy wars for our occupier Israel.”

Diana Terreros of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) stated, “Right now we see a feminism that celebrates the bombing of Iran in the name of liberating women while ignoring that one of the first bombings in this war killed more than 100 girls at an elementary school.” Terreros concluded, “Over time, I realized, like many women before me have realized, that women cannot be free until we establish socialism through a revolution. I joined FRSO because I'm serious about making this happen.”

The crowd ended the event strong by marching towards Civic Center Drive to hold a sign-waving. Signs read “Stand with immigrant women” and “Stop the deportations – keep families together.” They chanted “Trump escucha, estamos en la lucha!” as cars driving by honked in support.

The event was organized by CSO Orange County and endorsed by USPCN, United Domestic Workers, FRSO, Pride at the Pier, AlianzaTransLatinx, South Asian Network, and more.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #OppressedNationalities

Washington, D.C. – On March 8, over 30 people took to the streets of Washington, D.C. for an International Women’s Day march.

The crowd gathered at Malcolm X Park to stand up for immigrant women, women affected by police violence and war, and for working women struggling for their rights around the world.

The rally was organized by DC Against the Trump Agenda, a coalition of organizations from across the DMV, and co-sponsored by Families Not Feds Coalition, and the newly launched Anti-War Committee DMV, and other groups in the DC area.

One of the emcees from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization DC, Kristen Bonner, kicked the rally off, stating to the crowd, “Whether it’s in Venezuela, Cuba, Palestine, the Philippines, or Iran, women are under attack in these countries because the United States is there bombing them, destabilizing them, and trying to hold these countries back. To that we say shame,” to which the crowd echoed “Shame!” in unity.

Bonner continued, “Without the labor of women, this country, or any country for that matter, would not function. We demand an end to violence in all forms against women, and full reproductive rights so we can determine our futures for ourselves!”

Several other speakers put forward the demands for working-class women, Black women, immigrant women, queer women and the LGBTQ community, and women affected by war and U.S. imperialism.

One of these speakers included the mother of Phillip Brown, a Black man who barely escaped being shot to death in his car when Homeland Security agents occupying DC shot into his vehicle. The shooting was covered up by Metropolitan Police Department officers, the chief of police, and the mayor. The U.S. Attorney’s office declined to charge the HSI agents because “no one was hit by the bullets.” His mother spoke on the ways that police violence particularly impacts women and families and reiterated the need for Black and brown women to stand together in the fight for justice.

Terra Martin, a member of the DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, also spoke at the rally, saying “Across the country women, especially Black and brown mothers, are fighting battles many never see. We are fighting systems that judge us by our culture instead of our love. We fight systems that separate families instead of supporting them. Too often, mothers are punished for being poor.”

Rally participants then marched through the park and onto the streets of DC, making their way down the crowded U Street Corridor in spite of police officers making the planned march route difficult to proceed. The route was specifically chosen to disrupt the city’s plans to impose a youth curfew zone on the U Street Corridor, targeting Black youth.

Onlookers from nearby establishments and apartments cheered the group.

Several onlookers even joined the march, which concluded at the history Florida Avenue and 7th Street NW corner, where DC’s anti-gentrification “Don’t Mute DC” movement was born. There, as DC’s “Go-Go” music played in the background, other community members joined in with their support during the closing speeches

A speaker for Anti-War Committee DMV concluded the event stating, “They oppress women here, they oppress women all over the world. But what they don’t realize is that that is our greatest weapon – that commonality that we are all being oppressed by the same enemy, the U.S. war machine – and now we can all come together to fight that shared enemy.”

#WashingtonDC #DC #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #LGBTQ

Pittsburgh, PA – On March 8, the International Solidarity Committee of Pittsburgh (ISCPIT) celebrated International Women’s Day on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh with a rally to end “End the War on Women!”

ISCPIT speaker Marigold Cameron told the crowd, “Although Western media likes to portray the Islamic Republic as an ultimate oppressor of women, it should be noted that since the revolution, literacy among women has jumped from 67 to 97%, with women now constituting a majority of university students, especially in STEM fields. This marks Iran as the country in the region with the highest participation of women in academia – and yes, that is even counting Israel.”

Cameron continued, “When the U.S. and Israel launched their joint attack on Iran eight days ago, one of their first targets was a school for girls, where over 150 students and teachers were murdered!”

A representative of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) stated, “Here in Pittsburgh, the healthcare providers for trans youth, namely UPMC, Central Outreach, and Metro Community Health, have all pre-complied with Trump's lies and cut off this care entirely. Planned Parenthood has also shut down three of its Pittsburgh-area family planning offices, and unionized workers at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center have been repeatedly fired or locked out of their jobs.”

Another speaker from ISCPIT, Kate Hagerty said, “Hatred of women, violence against women, and the sexual abuse of children are symptoms of patriarchy, capitalism and colonialism visited on the weakest and most defenseless people in our society. When the identity of your country is rooted in dominance, theft, exploitation and dehumanization, sexual violence becomes an obvious and unavoidable consequence.”

Freedom Road Socialist Organization’s (FRSO) Ed Gallo stated, “Even within the already exploited working class, women’s work is even more undervalued, underpaid and rendered invisible. When women's labor is treated as worthless, it lowers the floor for everyone. Capitalists use the devaluation of women's work to justify cutting wages, slashing benefits and demanding more from all workers.”

Gallo continued, “The struggles of women, workers and oppressed nationalities are not separate fights. They are all fronts in the battle against our common enemy – monopoly capitalism and the ruling class that profits from exploitation at home and abroad. When we can build an alliance between the labor movement and the liberation movements of oppressed people, we will have the power to win.”

#PittsburghPA #PA #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement

Tampa, FL – On Sunday, March 8, over 100 people marched through downtown Tampa for International Women’s Day. The march started and ended at Tampa City Hall.

Organized by the Tampa Immigrants’ Rights Committee, the event featured an organization fair and speakers from eight different organizations. The crowd chanted “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state,” “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportation” and “My body my choice,” receiving enthusiastic support from passing by drivers and pedestrians.

Stephanie Yocum, president of the West Central Florida Labor Council, talked about the militant working-class women who created International Women’s Day, stating, “Today belongs to working women past and present, to those who demand dignity at work, to those who understand that justice in jobs is justice in life, and to those who continue that struggle today.”

Yocum also highlighted Florida Senate Bill 1296 which would raise the threshold for union recertification. This bill passed the Florida Senate on Friday, March 6. Like many other anti-union legislations in Florida, this one also does not apply to police, firefighters or correctional officers.

Yunqing Zheng from TampaIRC said, “we demand justice for women killed by increased border militarization, and we demand no ICE in our communities. Women and young girls in detention centers suffer from sexual assault to sterilization to medical neglect including denial of life saving care and postpartum care. We saw this happen in Tampa with Heidi Sanchez and Mabelyn Hernandez-Diaz who were detained while still nursing.” They also demanded justice for Renee Good, whose killer – Jonathan Ross – has yet to be charged and convicted.

“Building the fight against Trump and his agenda is crucial to fighting women’s oppression,” said Victoria Hinckley of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. “We also demand no war with Iran! We refuse to believe the lies being told to us by the ruling class that the bombs the U.S. drop on Iran is somehow liberating for women.”

The event also featured speakers from Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society, Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Tampa Democratic Socialists of America, and Hillsborough Young Democrats.

#TampaFL #FL #InternationalWomensDay #ImmigrantRights #WomensMovement

Milwaukee, WI – Over the weekend of March 7, Milwaukee’s International Women’s Day Coalition held two large community events honoring the ongoing women’s struggle. The decision to make the holiday a two day event came from the success of last year's march, taking place shortly after Trump’s second inauguration.

On Saturday, March 7, workshops and talks were held at PEAK initiative, a youth learning center located in Milwaukee’s midtown neighborhood. The four-hour event opened with poetry by Jonah Denae, a Milwaukee-based rapper and poet, and included keynote speaker Francesca Hong, a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly who is currently running for Wisconsin governor.

The workshops included “Women, Labor and Socialism” from FRSO and “Indigenous Matriarchy” from the Urban Indigenous League. The “Reproductive Justice for All” panel was led by Reproductive Justice Action Milwaukee (RJAM) and Care for All – two local organizations dedicated to safe abortion access and healthcare. The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (MAARPR) and the Milwaukee Area Labor Council led a “Know Your Rights” training, focusing on preparedness for ICE activity in the state.

Artists sold original works and prints, and all proceeds went back into the IWD coalition. Guests were served Thai, Laotian and Vietnamese food made by Mekong Cafe.

A plaque honoring Nada Mabourak, a fierce leader and dedicated activist who suddenly passed away just over a month ago, was given to Mabourak’s mother.

Most of Saturday’s participants, as well as some new faces, reassembled Sunday afternoon, March 8, in King Park for a rally and march through the King Park neighborhood as well as parts of downtown Milwaukee.

The opening rally placed heavy emphasis on the connection between women’s rights and immigrant rights. A member of ICE out of MKE Coalition spoke on the devastating effects deportations can have on families, and how class and immigration status can have ruinous effects on the education and safety of girls and women.

A member of MAARPR shared her own experience as a first generation Mexican-American woman and of the terror ICE is bringing to the Florida community she comes from. “There are no women’s rights without immigrant rights. When a mother is scared to take her children to school because of ICE, that is a violation of her rights. You can't say a woman is free when she is constantly looking over her shoulder.”

Finally, the US Palestinian Community Network spoke on the steadfastness and strength of the Palestinian women under the decades of violent Israeli occupation and honored those who have been martyred in the ongoing genocide.

Marchers were led by the IWD Coalition banner which read, “Families Fight Back! Stop Killer ICE. Bodily Autonomy For All.” As they started their route they chanted “The women, united, will never be defeated!” “Keep abortion safe and legal!” Hundreds of voices echoed off of the buildings around the marchers and were easily heard for blocks.

Many people were carrying signs supplied by the large FRSO contingent, which read “Stand with immigrant women. Solidaridad con les mujeres immigrantes.” Some made and brought their own, with slogans like “Destroy the patriarchy not the planet” and “Women’s liberation – not capitalist feminism.”

At the second stop the crowd heard from Students for a Democratic Society, BLOC or Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, as well as Dr. Anna G Mirer, a primary care provider who is currently the last healthcare professional in Milwaukee providing gender-affirming care for minors.

The energy stayed high the entire way back to King Park. “What’s disgusting? Union busting! What’s outrageous? Kids in cages!” bounced off of the Fiserv Forum and carried through to parts of the city the marchers hadn’t reached by foot.

Back at King Park RJAM, the National Union of Healthcare Workers and the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee (MAC) gave the final remarks. A member if MAC concluded with “To liberate women here at home and around the world we must be anti-imperialist and fight against the military industrial complex. As we conclude our march, let’s remember that we were marching today in solidarity with immigrant women, for justice for Renee Good, for justice for the Iranian girls murdered in the U.S. strike and for all oppressed women everywhere.”

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights

Denver, CO – On Sunday, March 8, International Women’s Day, over 200 people gathered at the Colorado State Capitol for a rally and march to celebrate the ongoing struggle for women's liberation.

The event comes in the midst of increased ICE presence, U.S.-Israeli military operations in Iran, the U.S. blockade of Cuba, and U.S. military interventions in Venezuela and elsewhere.

“Women’s oppression under capitalism takes on many forms, but across the world we are seeing women's struggles of resistance,” said Katherine Draken of FRSO, “We see the women of Gaza fighting back against a U.S.-funded genocide. We see the women of Venezuela bravely standing up to U.S. imperialism to defend the Bolivarian Revolution even as Maduro and First Lady Flores were abducted. We see the women of Cuba fighting back against a U.S. embargo and blockades. We see the women of Iran fighting back against U.S. warmongering after the U.S. bombed a girl’s school and slaughtered 168 children.”

Close to 70,000 people are currently held in ICE detention centers, and ICE is no longer required to report gender-based demographics. Multiple complaints filed with various human rights organizations have alleged sexual violence and torture against women at these facilities.

“We will stop at nothing until we get justice for our sisters and siblings. When ICE comes into our streets, we will stand with immigrant women and say, ‘No more ICE!,’” said Kacey Hicks of SDS.

ICE policy states that “ICE should not detain, arrest, or take into custody for an administrative violation of the immigration laws individuals known to be pregnant, postpartum, or nursing” except in exceptional circumstances, but this policy is routinely ignored.

A march through downtown Denver came after the initial round of speakers, the voices of the protesters ringing out down the 16th Street Mall, in front of the Federal Courthouse, and outside the Customs House. Chants about women’s liberation, trans liberation, Palestinian liberation, and an end to the war in Iran echoed off the concrete and glass.

The final speaker of the rally, Z Williams of Bread and Roses Legal Center, stated, “It's time we unite now. Join one of the organizations here, join a consolidated organized struggle and fight for your neighbors, fight for your siblings, and fight for yourselves!”

Members of over a dozen organizations, including Aurora Unidos CSO, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), the US Palestinian Community Network, Denver Anti-War Action, and the Denver Aurora Community Action Committee came together for this event.

#DenverCO #CO #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #ImmigrantRights

Tacoma, WA – Over 300 people took to the streets on March 8, International Women’s Day, to fight back against women’s oppression. As the crowd marched to the city’s municipal building, they chanted “One struggle, one fight! Immigrant justice, women’s rights!”

Opening and closing the event, speeches and other performances highlighted the struggles of working women, emphasizing oppressed nationality and immigrant women. The event was organized by a coalition of more than 20 organizations.

“I feel like this is one little way that I can help, there’s many other ways that I do throughout my day that I try to help. It’s just really frustrating because there’s just so much that happens every day that you have to keep up on. Especially with ICE, people killing people, putting them in concentration camps,” said Chanel Squally Jensen, an attendee who is an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe.

“I am a transgender woman. I stand in solidarity with women everywhere. I stand with queer folk everywhere. With those who are oppressed, everywhere. It’s a fight that never ended, a battle that we are facing today together,” said Adora Day, member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, during speeches at Tollefson Plaza.

After speeches at Tollefson Plaza, the crowd began marching towards Ben Gilbert Park.

“As an LGBTQ member, it affects me, but everybody is affected by this. Whether you are female or not. It’s a systemic issue that affects all of us. I can’t just sit at home and do nothing. I’m here to try and help build the new world now. Build what we want it to look like now,” said Morgana Nighthawk.

“I’m marching to fight for women’s rights, all women; immigrant women, trans women, everyone,” said Erica Garrett, marching from Tollefson Plaza to Ben Gilbert Park. Marchers chanted: “Not the church, not the state! Women will decide our fate!”

After the march reached Ben Gilbert Park and gathered on the street, the community and organizers had more speeches and cultural offerings. Jullia Bobodilla and members of Climate Alliance of the South Sound shared a song honoring missing and murdered indigenous women. Speakers addressed the fight for women’s rights against anti-immigrant terror and against the national oppression of indigenous people. Before the march dispersed, organizers and attendees declared that they would continue to fight for workers, immigrants and women's rights.

#TacomaWA #WA #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights

Jacksonville, FL – On Sunday, March 8, the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA) honored International Women’s Day with a community event at Lovelace Park. The slogans for the event were, “Stand with immigrant women!” and “No ICE!”

Different Central and South American nations were represented within the performances, and a Puerto Rican band played live music. Event attendees danced along to the music. Performers came dressed in traditional attire to pay homage to their home countries. The event programming was in both English and Spanish to accommodate the multilingual crowd. Lovelace Park is situated in a large immigrant community, so Spanish was the primary language for many attendees.

Vanessa Alvarez, JIRA organizer stated, “Immigrant women are facing escalated levels of violence and discrimination at the hands of border patrol, ICE, and local police forces,” adding, “reproductive violence in detention centers that is not garnering sufficient outrage. Immigrant women in detention are not receiving healthcare.”

Many organizations cosponsored the event and had tables set up around the perimeter, including Jacksonville Community Action Committee, Planned Parenthood, Florida Rising, Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Maria Garcia, JIRA organizer said, “The women in detention centers should not be forgotten. We need to continue to uplift their names and stories.” Garcia, talked about Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman who was detained in March 2025. Kordia is being held at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.

Garcia stated, “The struggles these women are facing are connected with so many other struggles. So, we all need to work together for a shared liberation.”

The Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance is holding their next General Body Meeting on March 21. They invite community members to join and to follow them on Instagram @jira.jax.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InternationalWomensDay #ImmigrantRights #WomensMovement