Brighton, the popular UK seaside resort, experienced an extraordinary display of unity and celebration on Saturday, July 15th, as it hosted the 10th anniversary of Brighton Trans Pride, garnering the largest turnout ever seen.
Despite initial concerns over extreme weather conditions, organisers originally anticipated between 5,000 and 10,000 attendees. However, the actual number surpassed expectations threefold, with a remarkable display of support. Last year’s march saw 20,000 participants, highlighting the ongoing growth and significance of the event.
Speaking with PinkNews, Fox Fisher, co-founder and trustee of Trans Pride Brighton, expressed his delight, stating that the weekend’s activities represented “the essence of our resilience, our courage, and our determination to step into a more inclusive and diverse world.”
Leading up to the event, Trans Pride Brighton organisers faced various challenges. They had to alter the march route due to extreme weather warnings and also expressed financial struggles through social media platforms. In a post on the official Trans Pride Brighton Twitter account, organisers explained the financial losses and called for support, stating, “If you planned to attend tomorrow, please do show up and support regardless of the venue.”
The response from the community was awe-inspiring, with a record-breaking number of attendees coming together to march for trans equality. Among the participants was beloved comedian Suzy Eddie Izzard, who shared a selfie from the vibrant crowd.
The event also attracted notable political figures who joined the march and addressed the audience. Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, delivered a speech, accompanied by Green councillors Raphael Hill and Siân Berry, along with Brighton and Hove Labour Party representatives.
Cllr Hill, Brighton and Hove’s first openly trans councillor, emphasised the importance of Trans Pride, particularly in the current political climate where the trans community is often treated as a “political issue” and a “problem.” He emphasised that trans individuals are deserving of rights and recognition, asserting, “We are people; we deserve rights and have feelings the same as anyone else.”
Trans Pride Brighton, Europe’s first and largest Trans Pride event, was established in 2013 to foster a supportive community. Fox Fisher highlighted the success in achieving this objective: “We knew we wanted to help form a community, and we have succeeded in this.”
Fisher stressed the significance of trans joy amid ongoing challenges to the community’s rights. Brighton Trans Pride serves as a powerful response to those who aim to erase the trans community, offering a defiant celebration that challenges negative narratives. It commemorates milestones, acknowledges struggles, and envisions a brighter future.
The 2023 festivities commenced with a 10th-anniversary fundraising gala on July 14th, featuring performances from renowned figures such as Cheddar Gorgeous and Dakota Schiffer from Drag Race UK. Drag Queen Story Hour host Aida H Dee, cabaret star Alexa Vox, and comedians Bethany Black and Jordan Gray also graced the stage. The following day, live performances were moved indoors due to predicted inclement weather. Fisher praised the committee’s adaptability in devising an alternative plan rather than cancelling the event, highlighting the resilience of the trans community.
Sadly, the celebrations were dampened by a fire at the Royal Albion Hotel on the seafront, leading to the cancellation of Sunday’s beach party event due to safety concerns. Trans Pride organisers, however, demonstrated their commitment to the community by assisting those displaced by the incident.
Fortunately, firefighters reported no injuries resulting from the blaze, providing some relief amid the unfortunate turn of events.
