Bennito L. Kelty
Audio By Carbonatix
President Donald Trump has been in his second term for just over nine months, and his administration’s radical policies regarding immigration and mass deportations, public lands, LGBTQ+ rights and other hot-button issues have led to numerous large protests in Denver, including two over the summer that resulted in dozens of arrests by police, and a rally by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that drew over 30,000 people.
Demonstrations saw smaller turnouts in July and August, but thousands of protesters came out for a No Kings protest on October 18 that resulted in several run-ins with police and one viral video of a counter-protester falling on his face. Local activists remain committed to peaceful protests and various causes, and they could be out in force after the November 4 election.
Find more information on gatherings around town below, and check back for updates.
Wednesday, November 5: The 5th of November
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Grab your masks and wigs, it’s time to remember, remember the 5th of November. This anti-authoritarian protest, held in honor of the movie V for Vendetta, will take place at 6 p.m. on the State Capitol’s west steps, followed by a march. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. Note: RTD is already gearing up for demonstrations impacting traffic.
Saturday, November 22: Denver United Against Trump
Held at the State Capitol, this protest is organized by the Denver Coalition Against Trump. People are expected to start gathering at noon, with 5,000 expected to join, according to protest permit holders. “We demand an end to the deportations, and we call on Governor Polis to resist the reactionary aims of Trump! It’s time for all who oppose this backwards administration to take to the streets and make our voices heard in the first DENCAT-organized mobilization!” the event’s description reads. Learn more by emailing dencato@gmail.com.
Every Friday: Protest Outside Congressman Gabe Evans’s office
Since February, protesters have been gathering outside of 10701 Melody Drive, the Northglenn office of Republican Congressman Gabe Evans, “to urge him to have the courage to speak with us, his constituents,” reads the event description. Since winning Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in November, Evans has called for tougher immigration enforcement and supported Trump’s policies, frustrating some of his constituents.
“We plead with him to defend our constitution and our democracy,” reads the event description. “We voice our concerns about our government’s words and actions that look more like a dictatorship with each passing day.”
Protesters meet at 11 a.m. every Friday at the congressman’s office; the gatherings are now being organized by a local chapter of Indivisible, a progressive political group. Previous gatherings were loosely organized by local protesters but managed to attract Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during her Colorado visit on March 21.
Every Saturday: Protest for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ Rights
People are invited to join a weekly protest at the Colorado State Capitol every Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. to support Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights.
“All past governments have failed to help the Indigenous,” a Reddit user wrote in a May 5 post inviting people to a gathering. “The people have the power, Indigenous rights means environmental rights, equality rights for ALL individuals. Please come join us. Please bring Sage or any Medicine. All are welcome to join.”
The r/DenverProtests Subreddit posts weekly listings, too. What did we miss? Send information to editorial@westword.com.
