Hundreds of people swarmed the University of Pittsburgh campus Tuesday night to protest an event featuring anti-trans, right-wing pundit Michael Knowles, as well as gay libertarian journalist Brad Polumbo. The two squared off over “transgenderism,” (a term rejected by the LGBTQ+ community and allies) and whether it should be regulated by law. The crowd made it known that the speakers and the “debate” were unwelcome, shouting “shut it down” and “trans lives matter” in unison, as well as lighting an effigy of Knowles on fire.
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Protestors march from Soldiers and Sailors to the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student Center. -
Protestors chant at the intersection of Bigelow Blvd and Forbes Avenue on Tue., April 18. -
A protestor makes noise on a drum outside the Michael Knowles debate. -
Protestors march from Soldiers and Sailors to the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student Center -
Protestor holds a sign reading “Free to be ourselves. We’ll always be trans.” -
People walk behind police barriers into the Micheal Knowles event at the University. -
Protestors march from Soldiers and Sailors to the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student. -
Protestors gather at the intersection of Bigelow and Forbes Ave. -
A protestor yells outside the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student Center -
Protestors gather at the intersection of Bigelow and Forbes Ave. -
A protestor holds a sign “Capitalism will Kill us All” while an effigy of Michael Knowles is burned. -
An effigy of Michael Knowles is burned outside the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student Center. -
Protestor raises his middle finger at police. -
A protestor holds a sign “Why do you want me dead” while yelling. -
Line of police behind a barricade and a sign “Out of the closet and into the streets.” -
Protestors gather on University Place. -
Trans Rights Protest outside the debate hosted by the conservative media personality Micheal Knowles. -
Trans Rights protestors and police line up at a protest on Pitt campus. -
Protestors on University Pl is outside the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student Center disperse after a loud explosion and smoke fill the street. -
Police begin shouting at protestors to back up after a loud explosion is heard on University Place where a firecracker was throw toward police. -
An officer with a rubber bullet gun stands alongside other officers outside the Michael Knowles event venue. -
A protestor yells outside the University Pittsburgh’s O’Hara Student Center -
Protestor holds a sign reading “Standing with our trans community puts you on the right side of history.” -
A protestor holds a sign reading, “Trans Rights are Human Rights” while yelling at police. -
An officer with a rubber bullet gun stands guard outside the University of Pittsburghs O’Hara Student Center. -
A protestor holds a sign ”Nature can not be eradicated.” -
Protestor holds a sign reading “Trans Lives are not up for debate.”
