Now that it’s been confirmed that President Donald Trump will be visiting the United Kingdom on July 13 (albeit not on an official state visit), it appears that plans for protests are already underway.
Trump’s visit has been branded a “working visit” by the Prime Minister Theresa May, and is set to follow the July Nato summit in Brussels, which the President is also said to be heading to. Nevertheless, despite the informality of his British sojourn, a nationwide demonstration facilitated by left-wing columnist and author Owen Jones, called Together Against Trump, has already seen over 100,000 people sign up in interest on Facebook, with Jones describing the event as “a carnival against hatred”.
Along with the Together Against Trump protest, the Top Trump Targets campaign, which brings together 14 organisations that support women, BAME people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and refugee communities, have also reiterated their pledge to raise money for the minority groups whom Trump has stood against.
Truly though, the most fabulous piece of activism against Trump’s visit that we’ve come across is the Drag Protest Against Trump’s UK Visit. The demonstration, instigated by drag performer Cheddar Gorgeous, isn’t a separate protest, but rather, their Facebook page explains, a way to highlight Trump’s negative stance on LGBTQ+ issues while partaking in the main demonstration.
“Calling all drag kings, queens, queers and our allies to march against President Donald Trumps UK visit,” the event page reads. “Due to the appalling way the Trump administration has regarded the rights and welfare of LGBTQI communities of the US, the idea of a Trump visit to the UK is unacceptable. Let's get visible, stand with our sister's, brothers and others in America, and show that we are a country that celebrates diversity."
Information about the march is currently sparse, but the page promises to be updated once the details and itinerary of the main Together Against Trump protest have been announced. So, get ready to put on the wigs, the heels, the lashes and your most fab outfit, and let's exercise our democratic rights while also having a kiki.