Attending a protest? Here are 5 things to keep in mind

ICE raids, conflict in Iran and anti-trans crackdowns are prompting people to take to the streets. Here’s what you should consider before you attend an event

Many people are heading out to protests and rallies for the first time this summer, prompted by news events like conflict in Iran, immigration raids in the U.S. and the government crackdowns on trans rights.

But even if you’re a veteran organizer or action attendee, our current era has added new dimensions to protesting and rallying that are important to be aware of for your own safety, as well as the safety of those around you.

We break down five tips for safer protesting and counter-protesting in 2025, including pre-planning, digital safety and personal safety.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Read More About:
Video, Power, Activism, Video, United States, Trans

Keep Reading

Girlguiding patches

Trans girls banned from U.K. Girl Guides following Supreme Court ruling

The U.K. Women’s Institute also announced it will ban trans women from membership

Why is everyone obsessed with this gay Canadian hockey TV show?

“Heated Rivalry” has been a breakout hit. What’s the special sauce that’s making everyone so excited?
Stills from Somebody Somewhere, Clean Slate, and Mid-Century Modern - shows with queer characters that were cancelled or ended.

Nearly half of all queer characters on TV will disappear next year

An uptick in series endings and cancellations is bad news for queer and trans representation
On the left, a black and white still from Flaming Creatures featuring a person sniffing a bouquet of flowers. On the right, an illustrated poster for the film.

‘Flaming Creatures’ and the censorship of queer art

Jack Smith’s 1963 film “Flaming Creatures” was deemed legally obscene by the U.S. Supreme Court