Several organizations, led by Gender Justice League and Traction PNW, held a protest event for Transgender rights on April 26 at Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park. The groups’ collective message: “When they attack, we fight back,” which was passionately belted out by organizer Claire Michelle and the nearly one hundred in attendance, many of whom held signs of support. The rally comes at a time when the Transgender community in the United States has been under attack, targeted by anti-LGBTQIA+ policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

The afternoon’s focus was centered around the plight of red-state refugees. One of the first speakers, Adora Blue, encouraged the crowd to sign up with Traction’s “couch network” program, which helps relocate LGBTQIA+ people and give them a temporary place to stay. Several other speakers echoed similar calls for the community to get involved in assisting relocation efforts any way they can, whether it be providing funds, resources, or an empty couch.

Koi, a grassroots, Trans-led organization founded after the 2024 election to help evacuate Trans people from more hostile parts of the country, relocated its first person to Seattle from Kentucky in December last year. So far, the group reports having successfully relocated 10 people. Supporting Koi’s efforts, Traction PNW is a volunteer-led nonprofit founded in 2019 with the mission of bringing gender-diverse people and their allies closer together. Traction’s executive director, Michael Woodward, who also spoke at the event, told the SGN that the organization has been working to expand support for these groups and their relocation efforts.

One harrowing story of relocation shared at the rally was THAT of Elle Cree, a Nonbinary veteran marine from Arkansas. Cree told the crowd that after the 2024 election, the religious hospital where their gender-affirming surgeries were scheduled canceled them. Cree recounted enduring harassment in Arkansas, including having propane and water shut off, and people running them off the road. An FBI agent even had to get involved due to safety concerns.

“Not a single place was safe,” Cree told the audience.

But there was one man Cree credits with saving them from that dark place.

“Michael Woodward saved my life,” they said, with tears trickling down their cheeks.

At the end of their remarks, Cree said they are returning that kindness to help others.

“The first thing I’m going to do is turn around and help somebody else up that mountain!” Cree exclaimed.