Over Thirty Thousand Show Up for Trans Pride Bright 10th Anniversary: “The Majority of People Love and Care About Trans People”

Over thirty thousand people are reported to have marched through the streets of Brighton over the weekend for the city’s annual Trans Pride event. This year marked ten years since the event started, the first of its kind in the UK or Europe, with record high attendance.

Despite weather warnings for wind and rain – resulting in a change in route and plans – more people than ever before attended in support of trans rights, taking place at a crucial time while we are seeing ongoing transphobia from both the media and government. With thirty thousand people flooding the streets of Brighton, there is little doubt that there is huge support for the trans community from the public.

“Today is as much a protest as it is about celebrating the trans community and trans joy,” Zoe, one attendee, commented. “Trans lives are constantly under threat, here in the UK and across the world, so as allies, we have a responsibility to show up, not just today – but every single day. We all benefit from a world with trans liberation, and we all need to help create this. Our healthcare system has a responsibility to provide lifesaving care for trans people, and right now, the NHS waiting times are unacceptable, this is one of the many things we are out today fighting for.”

“Seeing everyone turn up today is a reminder that we're not alone,” another attendee, Brighton-based DJ, Xandice, added, supporting this sentiment further. “We're supported. There is a vocal group who spew a lot of hate and vile online and in the media, but the majority of people love and care about trans people. We are everywhere, and we deserve access to health care, human rights, and to live long, prosperous lives.”

With people travelling from across the country to attend, the event also included speeches from prominent activists and public figures, including Brighton and Hove’s first openly trans councilor Raphael Hill. Speaking to the PA news agency, the 26-year-old who was elected earlier this year commented: “We are people, we deserve rights and have feelings the same as anyone else. I’m very mindful of both my safety and also the importance of my role because it’s quite unique in having those two identities.”

The march was followed by an event at Brighton Dome, which included speeches alongside performances. This was planned to take place in Brunswick Square but last-minute weather warnings meant a change in plans, and the Brighton venue kindly offered their space for free so that the community could still come together.

The event also coincided with a fire taking place in a local Brighton hotel, with many displaced organisers of the Trans Pride afterparty, Traumfrau, came together to fundraise for any attendees affected. "We are so thankful to be part of a community that always shows up. The instant mobilising, during a party, for funds, help and accommodation was heartwarming," Traumfrau organisers commented.

“The year we set it up, we had no idea who was going to come,” Co-founder of Brighton Trans Pride, Fox Fisher, added, looking back on their motivation to start the event ten years ago. “We knew we needed to form a community, a community that didn’t yet exist.”

Brighton Trans Pride continues to grow every year, creating vital space for community, and is completely volunteer-led, with over 200 volunteers offering their time and skills over the weekend to make the event happen. The event is only made possible by donations and support. Find out more about Brighton Trans Pride and how you can support.