Feb 15

Feb 15 Elon and Transgender

Demonstrations, Performance, Protest, Public Declarations, Chicago

The so-called “Resistance” should start coordinating their efforts. Today saw at least five Trump-related demonstrations in Chicago. Three pertained to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Held in Pilsen, Rodgers Park, and across the Chicago River from Trump Tower, none generated any meaningful press coverage—and for good reason.

I had planned to cover the one across from Trump Tower, but received a text shortly after it started telling me the turnout was abysmal, so no need to head over. One photographer who journeyed to Pilsen reported the turnout could be measured in the dozens, while later he noted that the Rogers Park demonstration brought out only 25 demonstrators, albeit highly enthusiastic ones.

I did cover the other two demonstrations, starting the day at the Tesla dealership on Rush Street. It was part of a nationwide campaign calling for protests outside of Tesla showrooms condemning Elon Musk and DOGE. Pro Tip for Protest Organizers: Don’t bother holding a demonstration if the number of police officers monitoring the event exceeds the number of demonstrators. Even better yet: Don’t bother if the number of photographers covering the demonstration outnumber the demonstrators. For the record, four demonstrators showed up at the dealership. I counted at least five photographers. Maybe we should have thrown in a complimentary resume headshot for each demonstrator.

Before arriving, I had assumed the dealership might close for the day, but salesmen were on the showroom floor ready to sell anyone who wanted one a Tesla Cybertruck. Given their number, the four demonstrators were unlikely to rush the showroom floor.

As for turnout: It didn’t help that no one—the police, the photographers, and at least one protester—knew for certain whether the demonstration started at 11:00 AM or noon. I was there at both times. [Postscript: I subsequently learned from another photographer that there were ten people outside the dealership when she arrived later]

The four protesters standing in the cold gave no speeches, nor did they chant. Three of the four unfurled a DIY scroll, while a fourth held a sign calling Musk a Nazi. The scroll may have been the most pathetic sign I have ever seen at a demonstration. It was largely illegible.

After a leisurely cup of coffee with two fellow photographers, we headed over to Seneca Park, which is strategically located within eyesight of the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital, where a group was calling out the hospital because it had suspended gender-affirming treatments in response to a Trump executive order directed at the transgender community. While I understand why the demonstrators find the hospital’s decision disturbing, they should recognize that the hospital is caught in the middle. Apparently, an institution that continues to provide gender-affirming treatment to minors now jeopardizes its Federal funding, which presumably includes research grants. I haven’t reviewed the executive order, but it could conceivably provide that Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are also subject to denial.

The organizers did something right, because on a cold and snowy day, several hundred people turned out for the rally. Included in the mix were individuals who identify as transgender and non-binary, their parents, other members of the LGBQT community, Democratic Socialists, Communists, and Progressives.

Asher McMaher, one of the organizers, told the group that the organizers were not affiliated with any organization. Several days ago, the organizers announced the rally, hoping to draw attention to Lurie’s decision suspending gender-affirming treatment for minors. To McMaher’s credit, “they” and the other organizers did an excellent job turning people out. Nevertheless, the organizers made some rookie mistakes. Specifically, Seneca Park, particularly in the winter snow, is not a suitable place for a rally because it is flat, resulting in the speakers not being visible to most of the demonstrators.

Next time, assuming there are subsequent protests directed at Lurie Children’s Hospital, the organizers should stage the rally in Jane Byrne Plaza, the site of Chicago’s historic Water Tower, because it has an elevated speaker’s platform—the cement steps leading to the tower’s entrance. The group should then march two blocks to the hospital, being mindful that some patients require quiet, which means the demonstrators should probably stand on the north side of Chicago Avenue. In positioning themselves, the demonstrators should keep the “money shot” in mind, which in this case means standing so that the hospital’s signage is in the frame.

To their credit, the organizers were welcoming and open to questions. I asked two. The first involved the change in terminology from transsexual to transgender. As I suspected, the change evolved out of a desire to remove any linkage between gender status, on the one hand, and sexual activity or preference, on the other.

Second, I asked about the symbolism underlying the transgender blue, white, and pink color scheme, as incorporated into the highly visible flags and signs. I had no idea before asking, but the answer made perfect sense. Light blue (RGB 91, 206, 250) stands for baby boys; light pink (RGB 245, 169, 184) stands for baby girls; and white (RGB 255, 255, 255) represents those who are transitioning or consider themselves as having a neutral or undefined gender.

I will say one thing for the trans-community: their DIY signage is a photographer’s delight. Great color and composition.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]