“I DISSENT!! Borders Are Not Battlefields: Petoskey Stands for Peace & Pride”
Saturday, July 5th, 1:00 PM | The People’s Corner (“The Hole”), Downtown Petoskey, Mi
Hosted by The Queerwood Hollow | Standing in Solidarity with: INDIVISIBLE WE THE PEOPLE DISSENT.
On Saturday, July 5th, The Queerwood Hollow is calling on our rural community to rise up and take space in Petoskey as part of an international day of protest along the U.S.-Canada border. While rallies erupt across major cities, from Detroit to Vancouver, we’ll be holding the line right here in Northern Michigan—because resistance doesn’t only live in cities, and the fight for democracy knows no zip code.
We’re gathering in downtown Petoskey to say loud and clear: our border is not a battlefield, and our neighbors are not our enemies. The U.S. and Canada have shared the longest (5,525 miles/8,891 kilometres) peaceful border in the world for centuries. We will not allow it to be weaponised by a fragile administration desperate for control.
We reject the threat of invoking The Insurrection Act. We reject authoritarianism wrapped in nationalism. We reject the idea of economic sabotage being disguised and cloaked as patriotism. And we reject the misuse of military force, whether at the border or in a pathetic show of ego.
This protest is not only about international peace—it’s about domestic justice. It’s about standing in our truth during our most patriotic month. Our veterans are not suckers and losers. They’re not playthings for a parade. Their sacrifices should not be sneered at and requested that they shouldn’t be seen by the public since “no one wants to see that”. Our country’s veterans did not fight so Donald Trump could make ill with our allies. We must stand by Canada & all of the countries & communities that are hurting due to Trump’s rule & his stupid tariff policies.
As a queer-led group, we march not only in resistance but in fierce love—for our people, our allies, and our future.
It’s the summer so bring some water & snacks!!
Gather your flags & signs of all kinds! Palestinian, Canadian, Ukrainian, Congolese, Haitian, Syrian, American, Tribal, or your PRIDE Flags. We’re all here in solidarity and will stand strong together.
Join us at 1:00 PM at The People’s Corner, known locally as “The Hole.” We’ll hold a peaceful speakout and rally with community voices, sign-marching, and space to connect.
As part of this international day of protest about the U.S.-Canada border, bring your heart, bring your fire — we invite & encourage our American allies to stand in solidarity with our Canadian neighbours by showing unity, respect, and shared resistance to authoritarianism through some of these things:
• Use English and French on protest signs to honour Canada’s bilingual identity. (Example: “Solidarité avec le Canada” / “Solidarity with Canada”)
• Wear red and white or incorporate respectful Canadian symbols (maple leaves, flags, etc.)
• Share quotes, stories, or messages from Canadian activists, leaders, or communities
• Emphasise cross-border friendship—this isn’t anti-Canada or anti-U.S., it’s anti-division, anti-corruption, and pro-democracy.
• Have some of our signs recognise the Indigenous nations on both sides of the border
• If you have access, play music or chants that reflect both American and Canadian spirit and resistance (like us Americans singing Canada’s National Anthem!!)
• Avoid harsh stereotypes—show support, not spectacle!
• Stand together with the message: Love, peace, and democracy know no borders.
—
Canada is not the enemy. They are our friends. Only true friends stand up for each other when the other is getting knocked down and bullied. We must be the better friends. 💛💛
