Hundreds of thousands of young people took part in the No Kings protests across the country, raising their voices and their signs in defiance of Trump, ICE, the assault on trans rights, the war on Iran, and the genocide in Palestine. From major cities to small towns, a new generation took a stand, many for the very first time, chanting, marching, and refusing to stay silent in the face of injustice.

For these young people, this is not abstract politics. It is a fight for their futures, for their communities, and for the safety and dignity of their classmates, friends, and family members. They are confronting a system that targets immigrants, attacks LGBTQ+ people, and pushes toward endless war.

Here, we publish testimonials from three youth who marched with Left Voice.

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For my first protest, I felt both empowered and inspired. I’ve always been the type to speak up and defend my voice no matter where l am, but this was on a completely different level. I know it’s not typical to describe a protest as “fun,” but honestly, it really was, being surrounded by people who shared my beliefs and stood behind the same causes made it feel powerful in a way I didn’t expect. The posters, the conversations, and the chants all showed a level of creativity and passion that really stood out to me. As an immigrant whose parents worked incredibly hard to give me these opportunities, it meant even more to see so many people standing up and fighting for change. It reminded me that my voice matters too and that I have a place in these spaces. As someone advocating for my own safety and the safety of my community, this experience pushed me to be more confident, more vocal, and more intentional about making my point, and it’s something that will stay with me.

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I grew up listening to punk music and have been involved in the scene since I was 10. One of the first things I learned was that being a “punk” didn’t mean acting or looking a certain way, or even listening to certain bands; it meant revolting against the larger systems that were harming the working class and spitting in the face of tyranny. I came out to march because although I am scared for my own safety and life due to my trans identity, I have a duty as a person of faith and as a punk to use the voice that God gave me to stand up against inhumanity.

It was so amazing to march among all of these young people who feel the same way I do: terrified, angry, and sick of being silent. In the digital age where everyone is overly concerned about individuality, we need to stand united on the ground. When fascism is on the rise, they want us to be hopeless because it makes us believe that we have no ability to change things. The best thing that people can do right now is focus on what is within their reach. Mobilize within your communities, contribute to mutual aid if you can, boycott large companies that are contributing to the Palestinian genocide, funnel your money to small businesses, learn how to DIY or mend-and-make-do, continue to educate yourself, do not lose hope, and perhaps most importantly, love (and protect) thy neighbor!

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At first I felt nervous about being in a huge crowd but the second I stepped outside I felt extremely happy to see everyone come together. It felt liberating to finally be able to preach for everyone’s rights. I came out to show every voice is heard and it matters. No matter your age you can still make an impact.

The post Why Young People Joined the Latest No Kings Protests appeared first on Left Voice.

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