Brighton sees biggest turnout ever for Trans Pride’s 10th anniversary -TGN

More than 30,000 people took to the streets of Brighton on Saturday July 15 for Trans Pride. (fox fisherman)

More than 30,000 people took to the streets of Brighton to demonstrate for equal rights and celebrate trans joy during the city’s annual Trans Pride.

On Saturday (July 15), the seaside town of East Sussex saw its biggest ever turnout for the 10th anniversary of Brighton Trans Pride, which one of the event’s co-founders described as “a beacon of hope”.

Fox Fisher, co-founder and trustee of Trans Pride Brighton, told PinkNews that the weekend’s events were “the essence of our resilience, our courage and our determination to step into a more inclusive and diverse world”.

Organizers had expected between 5,000 and 10,000 people to attend after a yellow weather warning for wind and rain meant they had to make a last-minute change to the march route, but at least three times as many showed up on that day. Last year’s march attracted 20,000 visitors.

On Friday (July 14), Trans Pride Brighton organizers explained on social media that the march route had been changed due to extreme weather conditions and shared that the organization was struggling financially.

Trans Pride Brighton’s official Twitter account posted: “As many of you know, we have suffered significant financial losses this year, so low attendance threatens the future of Trans Pride Brighton…if you were planning on attending tomorrow, please show up and support regardless of location.”

And people showed up, with a record number of attendees coming together to march for trans equality, including beloved comedian Suzy Eddie Izzard, who shared a selfie of the crowd.

Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas spoke at the event, and Green councilors Raphael Hill and Siân Berry were also in attendance, along with representatives from the Brighton and Hove Labor Party.

Cllr Hill, Brighton and Hove’s first openly trans councillor, told the PA news agency that Trans Pride is particularly important in the “current political climate” where the trans community feels treated as a “political issue” and a “problem”.

“We are human beings, we deserve rights and have the same feelings as everyone else,” Hill added.

Trans Pride Brighton is Europe’s first and largest Trans Pride event, first held in 2013 because “we knew we wanted to help build a community”. Fisher told PinkNews that the founders “succeeded.”

Fisher stressed the importance of trans joy at a time when “the rights of our community are under threat.” They described Brighton Trans Pride as “our answer to those who want to erase us, a powerful resistance that challenges their negative narratives”.

“It’s a celebration of our milestones, the recognition of our struggles and the vision of a brighter future,” Fisher continued.

“Transjoy is mainly about unity. It’s about standing together, supporting each other and supporting our most vulnerable members. It’s about the power of community, the magic of solidarity and the beauty of diversity.”

The 2023 festivities kicked off on Thursday (July 13) with the 10th annual Trans Pride movie screeningcomposed by Fisher op My sex. This was followed by a 10th anniversary gala on Friday, featuring performances by Drag racing UK stars Cheddar Gorgeous and Dakota Schiffer, as well Drag Queen Story Hour host Aida H Dee, comedian Alexa Vox and comedians Bethany Black and Jordan Gray.

Saturday’s live performances were moved indoors due to the predicted weather. Fisher told PinkNews that the committee’s flexibility to come up with an alternative plan instead of canceling the event was an example of “how resilient we are as trans people.”

“The changes to the original plan meant we marched right through the center of town, which felt incredibly powerful,” Fisher said.

“In lieu of the park event, we diverted people to five venues, all of which were staged to accommodate us, including the Brighton Dome, The Queery, the Ledward Center and The Actors, all of whom offered their space for free.

“For me, this is what Trans Pride is all about: resilience, perseverance and community building. The feeling of marching at Trans Pride in Brighton is pure joy and togetherness.”

Due to a fire at the Royal Albion Hotel on the coast, attended by firefighters just before 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Trans Pride Brighton shared that the decision was made “with a heavy heart” to cancel Sunday’s beach party for safety reasons.

Trans Pride Organizers also shared on social media that they helped people displaced by the fire.

According to The Guardian, firefighters confirmed that no one was injured in the blaze.