Here Hear
Reflection on April 12, 2025
On Thursday, April 12th, 2025, I received a message from an LGBTQ group I’m involved with. Protestors had gathered outside a sensitive youth organization, where a group of young people were meeting inside. The youth were scared to leave, and we were asked to come help provide a supportive and protective presence. Around 30 of us responded and arrived quickly, forming a human shield in front of the building, many of us holding umbrellas to create a visual barrier.
I won’t label the protestors, but I will note that the same individuals have been seen outside of Planned Parenthood in the past. That day, they were blasting a song over large speakers with lyrics saying, “The good Lord is going to cut you down.” I’ll simply say this: I found it deeply troubling that adults—some with children—would choose to bring such an aggressive, threatening energy to a space intended for vulnerable kids. It took effort for me to keep my own anger in check.
Within our own group, I witnessed a range of reactions—some calm and grounded, others more reactive and confrontational. I don’t judge those responses; I understand how deeply unsettling and upsetting the situation was. And I hold space for the full spectrum of human reactions. At the same time, I can’t help but wonder: with practice and preparation, could we show up differently? Could we meet these moments with more intention?
At one point, someone from our group grabbed a protestor’s speaker and ran. They were chased down quickly, and then the police got involved. Another person yelled harsh insults, while someone else shouted a personal comment suggesting the protestors were likely on Grindr. From my perspective, these actions escalated the situation, adding more heat to an already volatile space. And I had to ask myself—weren’t we there to protect the youth? To create safety?
It felt, at times, like we were playing into the hands of those who already hold hostile views toward our community—giving them more fuel for their fire, reinforcing their negative narratives.
So I sit with this: how can we do better next time? How can we protect those we’re showing up for—especially young people—and still be mindful of how we respond under pressure? How can we defuse hate without feeding it?
I believe with preparation and intention, we can become better at protecting and deescalating. We can learn how to respond in ways that remove the oxygen from hostility rather than fanning the flames. That’s where I want to keep learning and what inspired me to write the following:
HERE HEAR: A Silent Stand for Collective Presence
HERE HEAR is a grassroots movement that operates as a silent protest group—or, more aptly, a solidarity and support presence. Our aim is to stand with and for marginalized communities by showing up en masse, not to speak over or for them, but to hold space. We offer a grounded, peaceful, and visible presence that asserts:
We are HERE for you. We HEAR you.
At the core of HERE HEAR is the radical act of listening. We believe that by standing in silence, we amplify the voices that need to be heard. Our physical presence communicates solidarity, compassion, and strength without needing to raise our voices. In moments of public tension—whether during rallies, counter-protests, vigils, or contentious civic events—HERE HEAR provides a calming and stabilizing force.
What We Do:
Silent Presence: We show up in numbers. We don’t chant or shout. We stand, sit, kneel, or march in silence. This silence is intentional—it gives space to others, especially those directly affected, to speak their truths.
Hold Space: We act as a barrier—physical and emotional—for communities under fire. Whether it’s LGBTQ+ youth, people of color, immigrants, or any group under threat, our role is to offer a visible show of unified, peaceful support.
De-escalation Training: Members are trained in de-escalation and non-violent resistance, so if tensions rise, we can help calm rather than contribute to conflict.
Listening to All: Our name, HERE HEAR, isn’t only a message to the marginalized—it’s also to those who oppose them. We do not agree with hate, but we recognize the value in understanding opposing views to reduce polarization. Our silence is not submission—it’s intentional empathy and resolve.
Why Silence? A Historical Perspective
Silent protest is not a new concept. It has a rich, powerful history that we honor and draw inspiration from:
The Silent Parade of 1917: One of the earliest mass civil rights protests in the U.S., organized by the NAACP in New York City, where over 10,000 African Americans marched silently down Fifth Avenue to protest lynchings and racial violence. Their silence was deafening, forcing the public to confront injustice without distraction.
Quaker Witnessing: For centuries, Quaker communities have practiced “silent witness” in public and private, believing that the presence of spirit and conscience doesn’t always need words to be felt.
Gandhi’s Days of Silence: Mahatma Gandhi observed weekly days of silence to practice peace, restraint, and deep reflection. His non-violent resistance became a global template for civil disobedience.
The White Rose Movement: During Nazi rule in Germany, the White Rose used quiet, subversive means—like leaflets and passive resistance—to oppose fascism, recognizing that even silent resistance could speak volumes.
Hands Up, Don’t Shoot & Take a Knee: Modern protest movements continue to use silent gestures to capture attention and create powerful images of peaceful defiance.
Our Belief
We believe that change does not always require noise. Sometimes, the loudest statements are made in stillness.
HERE HEAR is not just a protest group. It is a living presence—a moving monument to dignity, empathy, and unshakable support. In a world of constant shouting, division, and fear, we choose to answer with poise, presence, and purpose.
