What Is #SOTUBlackout Protest? House Democrats Wearing Black To Trump Address

Several Democratic congressional members are wearing black to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday, including several female and male members of the House of Representatives looking to shed light on sexual harassment. Last year, several members of Congress wore white to Trump's first speech to a joint Congress -- but things have gotten dark over the past year.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Linda Sanchez, Tulsi Gabbard, Brenda Lawrence, Nanette Diaz Barragán, and Mike Quigley are among the Democrats wearing black for the #SOTUBLACKOUT at President Donald Trump's Tuesday State of the Union address. The women are looking to bring the recent "#MeToo" and "TimesUp" anti-sexual harassment narratives into Congress.

The #SOTUBLACKOUT is also intended to shed light on Trump's past sexual misconduct allegations from at least 17 women.

Rep. Lois Frankel, chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group (DWWG) and a representative from Florida's 21st district, said the congressional members wearing black are looking to bring the #metoo movement to Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday evening. They've brought along several guests including survivors of domestic or sexual abuse.

"I'm wearing black to #SOTU to show solidarity with workers from ALL industries, from the restaurant kitchen to Hollywood, who are demanding a cultural shift & workplace equality. #SOTUBLACKOUT" tweeted Rep. Frankel.

“There was so much — and still is — agitation about the president and our fears of what he was going to do to the women of our country and the world,” Frankel told Vox. “Of course, our fears have come true.”

Rep. Mike Quigley, from Chicago's North and Westside district, said the #SOTUBlackout movement is also looking to bring in men as allies.