The first ever Trans Pride march takes place in London this weekend.
The main Pride in London is now a parade rather than a protest, but Trans Pride is set to be rooted in activism, calling for change and asking for support, while also celebrating the lives of trans people around the world.
Attacks on trans people, both online and in the real world, are on the rise. Police data in June revealed that transphobic hate crimes were up by 81 per cent over the past year.
“We want people to get passionate about trans+ and queer liberation. We are not finished here, there is still a long way to go for our entire community to feel safe and equal,” says organiser Lucia Blayke.
“We're building an event on the foundations of activism and social change, in honour of people like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera [leading trans members of early the LGBTQ+ rights movement].
“We're wanting to raise urgent conversations about the lack of healthcare for trans+ people in the UK, the fact that we're deporting trans+ people back to countries where they will be killed immediately, needs for social housing, LGBTQIA+ education, better media representation.”
Here's everything you need to know about this weekend.
Where is Trans Pride taking place?
The march begins at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner and will end in Soho Square. The route is not being shared beforehand to avoid interruptions from groups wishing to disturb the event.
When is Trans Pride?
Saturday September 14. Meet at Wellington Arch at 1pm, with the march commencing at 1:30pm. It will end at around 3pm in Soho.
What's happening after the march?
There will be speeches in Soho Square at the end of the march, and local LGBTQ+ venues will be offering their support.
There will be an official afterparty at the Garage in Islington from 11pm to 4am featuring performances from Brooke Candy, Chiyo Gomes, Lucia Blayke and more.
Find out about accessibility here and join the Facebook event here.
