Thousands demonstrate for trans freedom and equality during Trans+ Pride in London -TGN

More than 35,000 trans people and allies gathered in central London to march for trans rights at the capital’s annual Trans+ Pride event. (PinkNews)

The classic British weather didn’t stop thousands of transgender people and allies from gathering in central London to march for trans rights at the capital’s annual Trans+ Pride event.

Draped in trans flags, Pride umbrellas against the rain, wearing trans flag colors and – in the case of Heart stopper star Yasmin Finney – pure lace, the trans solidarity and pride of more than 35,000 attendees was on display for the whole world.

At 1pm on Saturday (8 July), protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square, before continuing on an updated route down Cockspur Street to Pall Mall. Those present then went to Piccadilly Circus and ended their march in the green area around Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner.

The march culminated in powerful speeches from writer and performance artist Travis Alabanza, model Munroe Bergdorf, actor and model and interdisciplinary artist June Lam, and representatives from Transgender Action Block and Trans Workers Solidarity Network.

The route for Trans+ Pride 2023 has reportedly been adjusted to accommodate a growing number of visitors. The annual event, first held in 2019, has seen up to 30,000 people show up to demand trans equality in previous years.

This year’s protest was steeped in trans power and anger against attacks on the trans community by pundits, the right-wing media and politicians. Flags and placards labeling the Conservative government and demanding equality abounded.

Trans+ Pride 2023 did not shy away from the political, with refugee rights signs and anti-Tory chants including “Rishi Sunak we know you are a nasty transphobe too”, referencing the UK Prime Minister’s poor record on trans rights.

There was a strong presence of the historic football team TRUK United FC, with founder Lucy Clark, the world’s first trans referee and TRUK United FC Men’s captain Arthur Webber.

Representatives of Labor for Trans Rights, LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, transgender advocacy group TransActual and London based charity Single Homeless Project, and author and co-chair of the Feminist Gender Equality Network, Doctor Natacha Kennedywere also seen among the thousands in attendance.

Hymns of “What do we want? Trans liberation!”, “Trans healthcare is a human right, abortion is a human right” and “Every hour, every day, trans joy is here to stay” filled the air, along with loud cheers and undulating applause.

Trans+ Pride 2023: ‘Together we are stronger’

Veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell denounced the “toxic anti-trans atmosphere” in the UK as he joined the march with a sign calling for transgender self-identification and a t-shirt with the slogan “Solidarity with Ugandan LGBTs!”

The director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation told PinkNews: “In this toxic anti-trans atmosphere, it is so important that we stand in solidarity with the trans community. No LGB without the T.

“Together we are stronger. We stand together with our trans friends.”