Hundreds of people marched through Downtown Eugene Saturday in support of Black Trans Lives. The goal of the event, hosted by Black Unity and Eugene Pride, was to highlight the intersection between the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities.
In his speech, Eugene City Councilor Greg Evans referenced the recent Supreme Court decision about how the 1964 Civil Rights Act applies to Gay, Lesbian and Transgender people.
“I’m here to tell you, ‘Hang on. Keep fighting. The nightmare is almost over,’” said Evans. “We’re going to take the White House back. We’re going to take our state back. And we’re going to take our city back.”
Oregon State Senator James Manning Jr. spoke as a veteran. He pointed to the misperception that only straight people serve in the armed forces.
“We are here to show America this is what America looks like. Us. Together. In Unity,” Manning said.
After speeches at the Federal building, marchers walked through downtown while the Saturday Market was underway. While police often help with traffic control, even sometimes from a distance, none were visible today.
Several new chants were created for this event, including, “One. Two. Three. Four. Open up the closet door. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Don’t assume your kids are straight.”
The event ended at Kiwanis Park for a scaled down version of Pride In The Park where participants could share their personal experiences.
