PHOTOGRAPHY Alex Murphy
This year’s London Trans+ Pride marked a historic moment as an unprecedented 55,000-60,000 attendees gathered in central London to march in solidarity with the community. Showcasing a vibrant display of unity and peaceful resilience against a backdrop of increasing intolerance, discrimination, and hostility, the sixth instalment of the event kicked off at Langham Place at 2pm before ending at Wellington Arch later that afternoon. The lineup featured powerful speeches from prominent figures, including Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, Trans Legal Clinic founder Olivia Campbell-Cavendish, and activist Sarah Jane Baker.
Despite the growing visibility and championing of the trans+ community in recent years, 2024 has seen a rise in attempts to back-pedal its human rights, bestowing the march vital significance. “Right now we have a government in the UK that does not support trans people, and especially trans youth,” points out LT+P founder Lewis G. Burton. “The recent permanent ban on puberty blockers for trans kids is making them go through an irreversible puberty while cisgender kids are still allowed to have them prescribed. It’s outrageous and disgusting.”
The emergency ban, effective between 3 June and 3 September, was initially implemented by the previous Conservative government as its final act on 30 May to “address risks to patient safety”. In a disappointing but not-so-surprising turn of events, Labour’s health secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the High Court’s decision to hold the ban as lawful.
Ahead of the march, a press brunch at the luxurious Mandrake Hotel gathered a welcoming, colourful, and supportive crowd, including artists Bimini Bon Boulash, Romy, and electronic musician and producer Planningtorock, aka Jam Rostron. Reality TV personality Ella Morgan from Married At First Sight, LT+P organiser Ren, Olivia Campbell Cavendish, and founder of Trans Solidarity Alliance Jude Guaitamacchi spoke volumes at a moving panel hosted by Burton.
“It’s so important to be in this room right now,” Bimini emphasised. “What we’re here for is way bigger than us, it goes far beyond that. Since about 2016, we’ve seen a lot more hostility, a lot of negative conversation, dehumanising, and a lack of empathy and understanding of an experience that is bigger than the person that is making it so hateful and spiteful.”
What we’re here for is way bigger than us, it goes far beyond that. Since about 2016, we’ve seen a lot more hostility, a lot of negative conversation, dehumanising, and a lack of empathy and understanding of an experience that is bigger than the person that is making it so hateful and spiteful.
For many attendees, the sense of community and support was palpable. “Events like this, putting transparency forward, are very much about volunteer work too. This is just the kindest of communities. When you belong together, it’s very precious,” Rostron said.
“I’m so proud of the courage and just the incredible people within our community that continue to show up, that continue to do so much hard work to fight for our rights,” continued Guaitamacchi. “I’m also proud of the fact that people are directly challenging everything that’s going on at the moment, which is so difficult.
The march not only celebrated trans+ lives but also highlighted the intersectionality of trans+ rights with other social justice movements. This year’s theme, “Justice and Liberation,” underscored the connection between trans+ justice and broader issues such as racial, climate, and disability justice. “This year is also about showing solidarity with Palestine, with Congo, with Sudan, with Haiti, because it’s important that we as modernised groups show up and support each other, “ Burton explained. “We can fight with each other and get the message out to the government and to the people in power that we want change and we think what’s going on is not acceptable.”
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