Over 25,000 people marched through London in support of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming lives
BY MOLLY SMITH, IMAGE BY MOLLY SMITH
Despite the rain, grey skies and pending thunderstorms, more than 25,000 people gathered in Trafalgar Square on 8 July 2023, to march through London in response to the challenges and discrimination faced by trans people.
London Trans+ Pride (LTP) is the UK’s largest annual demonstration in support of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming lives.
The crowds assembled, bearing flags and signs demanding access to basic health care, that their existence be respected, and that trans youth get to live happy, healthy lives.
Some read “Give me Oestrogen you cowards!” and “Dykes for trans rights” whereas others served as memorials for trans lives that have been lost and taken, including Brianna Ghey, 16, who was stabbed to death in February.
It has been another challenging year for trans and non-binary people, with harassment increasing and anti-trans bills being introduced worldwide. This year the Government blocked Scotland’s gender recognition bill and multiple far-right protests have taken place against drag queen performances in London. As well as legislative attacks, hate crime is reported to have reached record highs and suicide and homelessness are impacting trans people disproportionately. Signs read “There is no LGB without the T” and this, now more than ever, is true due to the shared experience of attacks and challenged existences.
The 1.5km protest travelled through central London finishing at Hyde Park Corner, where speakers addressed thousands in the crowd. Powerful words were heard from writer and performance artist Travis Alabanza, model Munroe Bergdorf, poet Kae Tempest and people from Transgender Action Block and Trans Workers Solidarity Network.
Munroe Bergdorf said: “We have never been as strong as a community, we have never been as cohesive, as organised.”
Despite the feeling of hope instilled by seeing so many people gathered in support of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming lives, the pain and suffering that people are experiencing to this day was very much the focus. The discourse surrounding gender in mainstream media often transcends into some sort of philosophical debate, but LTP refocussed the discussion to what matters; keeping people alive and making sure those lives are happy.
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