April 5, 2025

You know your country is going sideways when introverts like me are showing up to the biggest protests in decades—alongside what some estimated to be TWO percent or more of the entire population.

The vibe in D.C. was electric: optimistic and hopeful, but charged with a simmering, contained rage over the ongoing dismantling of our democracy and civil rights.

Even miles out from the center, every few people I passed were headed into the city, carrying signs of defiance. I watched one packed Metro train after another open its doors and move on—unable to squeeze in even one more human. Eventually, I joined the critical mass, the cardboard army marching together with millions across the country. I wondered what our presence might do, if anything. But I landed on this: showing up was still a lot better than doing nothing.

Street protests aren’t my usual way of resisting. A traumatized nervous system, crowd overstimulation, and the sheer mental bandwidth it takes to keep this photo project running full-time are all real barriers. But I still found my way there, and I’m proud of that.

The truth is, I show up every week in a different way—by telling stories and creating space for others to be seen. That’s the work of this photo project: a quiet but steady protest against invisibility, stigma, and the societal constructs that erase us.

So wherever you are, however you’re able, please keep showing up. It does make a difference.

When your time or energy is limited, consider showing up with your resources. I have the hours and commitment to keep building this project—but not the abundance of monetary funds. If you believe in the power of visibility, story, and community-led activism, please consider sponsoring this work. Your support helps highlight the many ways people across the country are rising up – together.

We can fight this. We can get there, whatever that looks like – together.