A few dozen people showed up to Five Points in Wilton Manors on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s administration. Organizers plan to hold these demonstrations weekly at 10 a.m.
“We have three goals," Bud Beehler of Resist Wilton Manors said. “One is to mobilize the LGBTQ+ community. The next is to educate the LGBTQ+ community on Project 2025. The third goal is to ensure our democracy. The only way to do that is to make sure we get up, stand up, and speak up.”
The demonstrators gathered May 10 on the hairpin curve separating Wilton Drive and NE 26th St.
Ongoing nationwide protests have focused heavily on Elon Musk, CEO and founder of Telsa, and his efforts to access private data and slash the government workforce through his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).
Despite his recent announcement that he would be taking a step back from his governmental role, weekly demonstrations at the Tesla dealership on North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale continue.
Other groups like Resist Wilton Manors and Resist Broward County are focusing on Trump.
“It’s all for the same general cause,“ Martin Vidal said. “We’re here to defend our democracy. I don’t think it’s a left or right issue. Anyone who has love for this country and its founding mission needs to take to the streets and voice their opposition to this administration.”
Beehler says coming to Five Points is an effort to engage the LGBTQ community.
"I noticed at [the Tesla Takedown rallies] there wasn’t much of an LGBTQ+ presence."
Organizers hope the crowds build in the coming weeks, perhaps enough to fill all five of the intersection’s points.
In recent years, Florida has enacted several laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including restrictions on discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools; limitations on access to gender-affirming care for minors; and restrictions on drag performances.
At the national level, the Trump administration has banned trans people in the military; targeted HIV-related funding; and has attempted to eliminate anything they deem diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Protests will continue Saturdays at 10 a.m. at Five Points and at 1 p.m. at the Tesla shop on North Federal Hwy.
