HANDS OFF! National Day of Action in LA

Today thousands of Angelenos (myself included) participated in the “Hands Off!” National Day of Action, protesting the Trump administration and its push toward government downsizing, mass deportation, and attacks on basic human rights. More than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations and California labor unions, organized the LA demonstration, where protesters gathered in Pershing Square before marching to City Hall. Speakers at City Hall included actress Jodie Sweetin (of Full House fame) and journalist turned stand-up comedian Francesca Fiorentini (Newsbroke).

This was my first protest in California, and it definitely felt like a political baptism of sorts. I’ve been increasingly angry since Trump and Musk took office, and it felt good to let some of that rage wash away. It felt even better to surround myself with like-minded community in these violent times.

The energy in downtown Los Angeles was furious, unified and deeply human. We marched in defiance of the mass firings, the gutting of essential programs, the blatant attacks on immigrants, LGBTQ+ rights, and communities of color. This wasn’t just a protest—it was an unflinching act of resistance against policies that are actively trying to erase our identities and dissolve our dignity.

As a nonbinary person, this fight feels personal. These policies aren’t abstract headlines—they’re threats to our safety, our autonomy, and our future. Listening to speakers call out the truth with urgency, I felt a collective power I haven’t felt in years. Especially not in Augusta, Georgia.

This movement matters because we matter. And in California, surrounded by a community that refuses to be silent, I finally feel like I’m part of something that sees and protects all of me. I don’t believe this administration is listening, but I know our message was heard.

As a side note — today was also my first trip on the LA Metro, but it most certainly will not be my last. You’re going to catch me on this thing every single weekend headed to Los Angeles! I rode the L all the time in Chicago, but I didn’t realize that the LA rail reached all the way to Long Beach. I also didn’t realize it is SO CHEAP! $1.75 a ride, with free transfers. When I rode in San Fran it was closer to $20 a trip! I seriously couldn’t believe it. It took me about 45 minutes to get into the city, but in traffic the drive could take much longer. And the gas could end up costing much more. Not to mention, I didn’t have to pay for parking downtown, which also adds up.

(Also — I’ve been wanting to read Fahrenheit 451 for a minute now, so it’s fitting that I’d pick it up from the library right before the protest! It wasn’t purposeful, but it certainly was timely.)

While I wish that we did not have to protest for the protection of basic human rights, and while I wish that we did not have to live under a capitalistic, fascist regime that wants to strip us of these basic human rights, it wasn’t the worst way to spend the last few days of my spring break. It’s been such an exhausting one, but I’m glad I had the time to catch up with myself and my mind. While talking with Sierra and Becca this weekend, I realized that I’ve never really had much opportunity to grieve my losses. It was a welcome change to give myself the time to fully feel the loss of my sweet Woodward. I should be able to pick him up next week; I cannot wait to bring him home.

After next week, it’s full speed ahead to finals and summer break. Longer days and more time — I cannot wait to see what natural splendor awaits me in my own backyard.