Indianapolis protest marches for reproductive health, equal rights ahead of Trump’s inauguration

At least 175 protestors lined the north steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis on a cold Saturday afternoon to voice support for women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and resistance to the incoming state and federal administrations. 

Bundled in winter coats, they flashed dozens of signs with slogans like “Democracy not Oligarchy,” “Climate is changing, why aren’t we?”, “We the people” overlaying a Pride flag, “Down with Beckwith” referencing Indiana's new Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, and “Deny Defend Depose.” 

“I focused on women’s access to health care,” said Sarah Fix, who organized the march, “but the protest is about everyone’s access to health care, equal rights, and just being able to live the life you want to live.”

After giving a speech on the monument steps, Fix led the crowd singing “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore, then they left for the State Capitol.

“The people — united — will never be divided!”

“2, 4, 6, 8! Separate the church and state!”

They marched south and circled the capitol building, with Fix, megaphone in hand, leading the chants. As they rounded the final side of the building, passing cars honked in support and the group cheered. 

Fix said 250 people had signed up to participate. The crowd was largely women but there was a notable presence of men. People ranged all ages, from children to seniors.

The protest echoed the 2017 Women’s March, happening again ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration Monday alongside marches around the country, including in Washington, D.C.

The protesters continued under the Arts Garden, passing a street saxophone player before returning to the steps on Monument Circle where the march began.

For several minutes, the crowd chanted, “We won’t go back!” 

Then Fix ended leading the group in one more song: “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley. 

She hopes people will feel inspired by the march and get involved.

“With the bystander effect, if you don’t step up, nobody else will,” she said.

Contact WFYI data journalist Zak Cassel at zcassel@wfyi.org.