In an effort to draw attention to a boycott called by the workers of Hyatt Hotels, LGBTQ activists staged a flash mob adaptation of Lady Gaga’s song “Bad Romance” in the lobby of the Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco. The lyrics were changed to address the workers’ struggle to win a fair contract and affordable healthcare. With an influx of LGBTQ people coming to San Francisco’s annual Pride Celebration next month, Hyatt could be hurt by its decision to not heed the workers’ demands.
Bryan Farrell is the co-founder and editor of Waging Nonviolence. He also hosts and produces the podcast, City of Refuge. His work has appeared in The Guardian, The Nation, Mother Jones, Slate, Grist and Earth Island Journal.
Despite years of polluter pushback and environmental racism, Cancer Alley communities in Louisiana are still fighting for a healthier environment for everyone.
In states where legislative solutions have hit roadblocks, reproductive justice advocates have found success with more direct methods of protecting the most vulnerable populations.
In North Carolina, Greensboro’s Keep Gate City Housed built a diverse coalition in support of pro-tenant policies by proving it was the best way to prevent homelessness.
Peace and justice organizations, as well as universities, publish their own independent content on Waging Nonviolence. This Community section offers just a sample of their latest stories. Visit their individual pages to see more.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest in people-powered news and analysis.
Waging Nonviolence is a nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
To donate by check, cryptocurrency or other method, see our Ways to Give page.
They were protesting in front of the Westin in DC today too. It was also the day of a national police bike race, so there were lots of tourists who were also police officers stopping to look. I am curious about the relationship between Hyatt and Westin, does one own the other? I turned the corner and there were protesters demanding we seize BP’s assets. Turned another corner and it was the White House. Sometimes DC is great.
I’m super late but this was Awesome.
A lot of people might not adore her, but I believe she has some real talent as a writer and performer. Don’t believe me? Take a peek at the Youtube video of her doing Poker Face with just the piano.
A lot of people hate her, but most of them are loving her. It’s a great artist, an eccentric one.