Philadelphia City Councilmember at-large Rue Landau delivered a powerful message at a recent demonstration in Mt. Airy, raising alarm about the potential repercussions of President Donald Trump’s administration on LGBTQ+ rights.
Landau, who was the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ council member, participated in the June 18 “We the People Wednesday Resistance Rally” held outside the Richard Allen Train Station on Allens Lane. Despite inclement weather, the event attracted approximately 30 dedicated protesters gathered near the High Point Cafe.
Addressing the crowd, Landau emphasized the alarming contradiction between the city’s commitment to equality and the policies pushed by the Trump administration. She highlighted a troubling message to young people: “We’re telling young people they can be whoever they want to be, and now we have a government with Donald Trump and the Republicans, and this horrific Supreme Court that keeps telling these kids that no, it’s not okay to live your authentic lives.”
This weekly rally series, which started about two months ago, was born from a group of concerned friends discussing various issues affecting vulnerable communities, such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as proposed cuts to critical programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. Their discussions naturally evolved into a recurring gathering that has recently seen participation numbers climbing to as high as 150.
Organizer Betsy Teutsch expressed that these gatherings are not formal organizations but rather a collection of individuals united by their desire to advocate for change. “We’re not an organization, just a local group of people that wanted to do something weekly,” Teutsch said.
Ken Ulansey, another organizer, noted the common ground shared among rally participants: “Even though Wednesday organizers don’t agree on every issue, we share a sense of terror at what Trump and his minions are trying to accomplish.”
The central aim of the rally is to collectively resist actions taken by the Trump administration. Ulansey articulated their goal: “We want to impede him as much as possible by being one of thousands of these local weekly events that spring up all over the country to counter his actions.”
The rally’s format included a singalong led by local musician and voice teacher Molly Herbert Wilson. “When people sing and make music together, it absolutely is like a total dopamine flood—it helps you feel connected,” Wilson commented. She kicked off the event with her original song, “Keep the Fire Burning.”
Following the singalong, participants engaged in a segment called “Moments of Hope,” where member Hope Yursa highlighted positive developments in social justice, serving as a source of encouragement and inspiration.
Reflecting on the rally, Landau expressed optimism drawn from the solidarity displayed by attendees. However, she noted the ongoing challenges posed by the current administration, saying, “The resistance will require sustained effort until we can get a new president and maintain as many rights as we possibly can in the meantime.”
In light of recent events, including the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, Landau underscored the heightened importance of the rally. The ruling indicates a worrying trend for the LGBTQ+ community, which has faced several setbacks under Trump’s presidency, including discriminatory policies related to military service, restroom access, and participation in women’s collegiate sports.
Landau poignantly reflected on her personal stake in the fight for rights, alluding to the first same-sex marriage license her and her wife received in Pennsylvania back in September 2014. “It just felt extra important to be out here today,” she concluded, renewing her commitment to the ongoing struggle for equality.
image source from：chestnuthilllocal
