On the 15th of October, Southampton will have its first ever Transgender Pride to celebrate all Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Fluid, Gender Queer and gender non-conforming people.
“The event comes after a tough couple of years for trans people; this year our government made the decision that trans people would not be included in the conversion therapy ban, and previously in 2020 our Gender Recognition Act’s long overdue reform was gave up on after 70% of people responded in favour of policies such as self-identification,” said event organiser Mabel Wellman, of People’s Pride Southampton. “Outside of government decisions, transgender riders have also been banned from participating British cycling events.
“The need for support for transgender people’s wellbeing and rights has never been higher.”
The march will start assembling from 12:00 at the Bargate, and then march to Edmund Kell Unitarian Church for Transgender Pride to open its doors from 13:00. Every political party in Southampton has been invited to join us in our march, and organisers expect a high turn out from them to show solidarity to transgender people. This march is open for all members of the public to unite in support of transgender people – attendees are invited to don their gender identity’s flag if they have one, and organisers will sell LGBT+ flags at the event itself if you do not have one.
A number of well known and inspiring local trans people will speak at the event, which will include poetry and history about the trans rights movement.
Transgender Pride will also feature a number of stalls catering to trans people’s empowerment. This includes Southampton’s Trades Union Council, a local band who will do a workshop with visitors, a clothing company specialising in genderless clothes, and a number of charities and organizations catered to one’s physical and mental well-being. Refreshments and facemasks will also be available and the venue is disability-friendly.
- For the latest event information visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/peoplespridesouthampton
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