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11 Most Creative Inauguration Protests In D.C.
On Friday, despite the fact that 3 million more people in the country voted for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America. There are a number of protests being organized the nation and around the world, but for those of you who will be on the front lines of national pageantry — that is, in Washington, D.C., on Inauguration weekend — here's a list of the most creative Inauguration protests planned in our nation’s capital.
Plans for protests have been underway since the day following Trump’s surprise victory on Nov. 8. The biggest of these — the Women’s March on Washington — is expecting to have as many as 200,000 participants, and boasts over a hundred sister marches from Key West to Seattle, and all over the globe.
But there are tons of other demonstrations that will be happening this weekend to call out injustice, stand up for equal rights, bring attention to hypocrisy and intolerance — many of them in very creative ways.
Here are 11 of the most creative demonstrations, protests, and events planned for this weekend in the D.C. area. To see the full slate of offerings, check out journalist Alejandro Alvarez’s amazing spreadsheet and map.
Queer Dance Party At Mike Pence's House
I started with this one simply because it's the one I would be most excited to go to if I was in D.C. Organized by WERK for Peace and DisruptJ20, this protest takes place near Pence's temporary residence in Chevy Chase, and will have a sick beat. "We plan on leaving behind [biodegradable] glitter and rainbow paraphernalia that he can NEVER forget," the group writes on their Facebook page. The protest is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.
Protest The Fascist, Alt-Right "Deploraball"
Smash Racism DC is organizing a protest of the Alt-Right "Deploraball," a party being held for Trump organizers who "advanced liberty across the country," though it begs the question what they mean exactly by "liberty." Smash Racism D.C. will be outside the National Press Club, helping remind everyone exactly what Alt-Right really is: a hate group.
#Trump420
If you're looking for a mellower way to protest Trump's inauguration, DCMJ, the group which advanced marijuana legalization in the District, is handing out 4,200 joints on Friday, just off of Dupont Circle. While (unsurprisingly) there's no hard-and-fast demonstration planned, DCMJ is suggesting that participants may want to head down to the National Mall and blaze up four minutes and 20 seconds into Trump's speech.
Festival Of Resistance – Disrupt J20 March
This permitted march organized by DisruptJ20 will happen the day of the inauguration, and will include "marching bands, drummers, puppets, and vibrant displays of art and culture." The march begins at noon on Jan. 20 at Columbus Circle.
Future Is Feminist Counterinaugural Action
The Feminist Arm of DisruptJ20 will be demonstrating near one of the Secret Service checkpoints and across from Right To Life HQ. "We won't let the open misogyny and hostility of the incoming administration go unnoticed and unchallenged," the group writes on their Facebook page. The protest begins at 7 a.m. on Jan. 20, near the corner of 10th St. and E St. NW.
RESIST: Anticapitalist, Antifascist Convergence
This is an "unpermitted" march being organized by DisruptJ20, where participants are encouraged to wear all black to oppose capitalism and fascism in the incoming administration. Converging at Logan Circle at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20.
DisruptJ20 Open Convergence Space
If marching isn't your thing, there will be an all-day "convergence space" at McPherson Square, starting at 9 a.m., for people to gather. There will be a rally at 2 p.m., when the marchers from various events converge on the square.
Inaugurate The Resistance
For those who want to be right up in the mix, the ANSWER Coalition has organized this permitted march that will go alongside the inaugural parade route, beginning at the Navy Memorial at 7 a.m.
Militant Femme Bloc of the Women's March
If you've been interested in the Women's March on Washington, but have had some concerns about the intersectionality of the movement, the Militant Femme Bloc of the Women's March is organizing a group to march together within the larger march. Check out their organizing page for more info.
Climate Convergence
DisruptJ20 and other organizations have a handful of protests geared around fighting climate change, including a protest Wednesday against Scott Pruitt's nomination to the EPA. Other events are organized throughout the weekend: check out their Facebook page for more info.
Resist Trump's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
If you're looking for a more traditional "disrupt the normal operation of government" style protest, the group Beyond Extreme Energy is planning a special installation of its regular demonstration at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Jan. 19 at 8 a.m.
These 11 protests are creative ways to have your voice heard on Inauguration day in Washington, D.C.
