The new initiative aims to support and amplify trans and non-binary voices
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY PRIDE IN LONDON
Pride in London has just revealed its new campaign Never Walk Alone: Championing Trans Allyship as part of their celebration on 1 July. The campaign acts in direct response to negative portrayals of trans and non-binary people in the media, and aims to support and protect these members of the LGBTQIA community.
The Never Walk Alone campaign was formed by a group of trans advocates including Mzz Kimberly, Hannah and Jake Graf and Dani St. James in order to show the unwavering spirit and power of trans and non-binary voices.
Christopher Joell-Deshields, CEO of Pride in London, said: “Pride in London is much more than a celebration of our vibrant community; it is a powerful gathering that fosters unity and support. Amidst the ongoing adversity faced by the LGBT+ community worldwide, we want every trans and non-binary person to feel the unwavering solidarity we offer. You are not alone – we stand with you.”
This campaign acts in direct retaliation against the negative rhetoric about trans people that is being pushed by the media in the UK. In a study by Pride in London and Involve, 74% of people in the UK said that depictions of trans people in the media are either negative or highly negative. Alongside this, in 2021-2022, hate crimes targeting transgender people increased by 56%.
At Pride this year, Never Walk Alone will take shape in a series of beautiful photographic and video portraits of trans and non-binary members of the community as well as the allies that support them.
Hannah Graf MBE, former officer of the British Army and a transgender rights activist, said: “Jake and I were delighted to be able to help Pride in London shape its 2023 campaign and it was of course of paramount importance to us that all facets of our community felt included. With the recent influx of transphobic headlines and commentators, the trans and non-binary community needs support more than ever. Never March Alone is a powerful message that centres trans people, while also celebrating the rest of the community and their vital support and allyship.”
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