Thousands of people march through central London demanding equal rights for Transgender people in the “biggest ever” Trans Pride 2023.
Activists and supporters “took over” Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square carrying signs for the worldwide Trans Pride celebration on Saturday.
The festival route was extended to allow more to join and express solidarity with Trans people who have been affected by transphobic murders and restrictive laws worldwide.
Heartstopper actor Yasmine Finney, wearing a sheer lace slip dress, danced at the base of Nelson’s Column holding a trans Pride flag and leading a chorus of “Trans rights are human rights!”
The future Dr Who star also told crowds: “It’s Trans Pride everybody!”
“What time is it?” she said as others chanted “Trans Pride!” back to her in unison.
Trans media group What The Trans! tweeted: “Thousands of trans people taking over Piccadilly is probably the best I can do to convey how this is the biggest trans pride I’ve ever seen.”
Others brandished signs reading “Give me Oestragon you cowards!” as others mourned the loss of trans lives taken such as Brianna Ghey, 16, who was stabbed to death in Warrington in February.
Two teenagers — both aged 15 — were charged with murder and are due to stand trial in July.
This video of thousands of trans people taking over Piccadilly is probably the best I can do to convey how this is the biggest trans pride I’ve ever seen
— What The Trans!? 🏳️⚧️ (@WhatTheTrans) July 8, 2023
Astonishing pic.twitter.com/rAby9MUXgM
The march culminated in Hyde Park Corner with powerful speeches from writer and performance artist Travis Alabanza, model Munroe Bergdorf and people from Transgender Action Block and Trans Workers Solidarity Network.
It’s been a difficult year for trans and non-binary people, with transphobic harassment increasing and anti-trans bills introduced worldwide.
London Trans+ Pride organisers described the incident as “a brutal and horrific attack that has left the community reeling” in a statement on Facebook only days after Ghey’s death.
In addition, the Government this year blocked Scotland’s gender recognition reform bill. The Scottish government will make its case against the decision in a three-day hearing from September 19-21.
Elsewhere, far-right protests have taken place against drag queen performances in London.
A Kickstarter fund to support this year’s Trans+ Pride event is close to raising its £15,000 target. This means the march is likely to be the largest expression of trans solidarity yet.
