Trans community protests hate group meeting at Cranston Library — September 2022
We heard that the Cranston public library was hosting a known anti-transgender speaker who would use his platform to spew lies and hate to our trans and gender nonconforming Rhode Islanders.
That night in show of solidarity with gender expansive people and as a commitment to transgender liberation, The Womxn Project joined partners and activists from across the state for a protest at the library. Our main message is: “No hate in our state.”
Around 250 members of the transgender community along with allies, families and neighbors gathered to show love and support for the transgender community at the William H Hall Branch of the Cranston Public Library Monday evening.
We are proud that we could make it clear to our neighbors and loved ones and to every transgender person here or anywhere – YOU ARE LOVED! We are also thrilled that the Cranston Public Library is reviewing their policies regarding the rental of rooms. While TWP supports free speech and a thriving debate around values in every community, we must always speak out against hate and violence and show up for a more just Rhode Island.
We were proud to partner with the TGI Network, LGBTQ Action RI, Haus of Codec, Democratic Women’s Caucus, Youth Pride RI and Sage RI in urging the library to “acknowledge that they made a mistake in approving the event and immediately cancel it to prevent further harm to the transgender community.”
Political activist, trans activist, and healthcare provider, Jaye Watts said, “Denying the existence of trans kids, and that trans adults could have once been trans kids, is inherently violent. They wish we did not exist, but what they fail to understand is that we are not going away.”
"Trans rights are human rights," said Sen. Tiara Mack. "Never forget that you are beautiful. Never forget that your body is your own. No one gets to tell you who you are."
“We are here to support trans people – adults and children,” said event moderator Damián Lima. “We’re also here to send a clear message to Cranston and all of Rhode Island: Affirm our trans neighbors, families and friends."
“The hate speech given opportunity to fester here I can not stay silent about,” said Rush Frazier, Executive Directer of Youth Pride Inc. “Staying silent in this moment condones behavior that normalizes bigotry and white supremacy, that hinders LGBTQ+ youth’s freedom to thrive. Queer and transgender youth have a right to know themselves. They have a right to know their history. They have a right to feel safe in public places. They have the right to live a healthy life just the same as anyone.
News Coverage
- Transgender people and allies urge Cranston Library to cancel harmful, anti-trans panel (September 19, 2022). Uprise RI.
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Trans community protests hate group meeting at Cranston Library (September 20, 2022). Uprise RI.
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Protesters rally outside Cranston library where anti-transgender activists hold forum (September 19, 2022). Providence Journal.
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Anti-transgender group sparks anger, protests at event at Cranston library (September 19, 2022). Boston Globe.
Protest Photos
