June 27  Refuse Fascism marched in Chicago’s annual Gay Pride Parade. The Refuse Fascism contingent drew an excited, boisterous and often theatrical response from thousands of people lining the parade route. The contingent had rainbow NO! signs, a banner saying “July 15 Nationwide Protests – Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!, Refusefascism.org”. A crew carryied portraits of the Portland heroes, and a Trump puppet with a movable arm giving the Hitler “seig heil!” salute. Our crew distributed thousands of July 15 fliers. Several new people joined  our contingent, and some marched for the entire 4 miles.

Our Refuse Fascism contingent was indefatigable, and sent out a basic message of contempt and anger toward the Trump/Pence regime. This was an important step in getting the July 15 nationwide protests on the map. One RF organizer posted the following message following the parade. “So much spirit of resistance greeted us today at Pride – where will that go? If it was just a release, a venting of anger at the daily news of attacks & devastation, all of that will all only get worse, dramatically worse for a long time to come. If we turn that anger into determination to drive them out though, we saw today the potential of that spirit to catch fire. Take it higher! Right now!