Photo: Hundreds rally on President's Day

It is estimated that 300 people came to the corner of Second and State streets during the two-hour rally in Hood River to make their voices heard.

Rally attendees were there for various reasons. Carson, Washington, resident, J Loftberg, said he is feeling “an utter sense of terror” living under the current administration. He said silence is compliance and he could not simply stand by.

Others were there supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) standards that have recently been cut from many businesses around the country.

Temira, a Hood River resident, said they came to fight for the rights of transgender people, and they feel our democracy is collapsing. They also feel a sense of uncertainty and changed their gender identification marker out of fear of being discriminated.

“I feel like identifying as a non-binary person and identifying against this administration, I feel like as a public figure, it puts my safety at risk,” they said. “I don’t think the social norms that we used to have against violence and hatred are in place anymore, and people feel emboldened to do whatever they want, including violence.

"I was also there and will continue to demonstrate because we're losing the progress we've made towards allowing folks to live their authentic selves."

Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn made an appearance and told Columbia Gorge News, “It’s difficult to know what to do. Good job to those who stand for their beliefs.”

Passersby honked their horns to show support from their cars and there didn’t appear to be any counter protesters during the rally.