Yesterday the UK’s first Trans*Pride in the Park event opened in warm sunshine in New Steine Gardens with speeches from local politicians and the Trans*Pride organisers.
The sun lasted for just two hours before a downpour had people running for cover but spirits were not dampened. The rain stopped around 4.30pm and the crowds returned to New Steine Gardens to enjoy the performers on the main stage.
Trans*Pride in the park was without doubt a huge success for the organisers with more than 1,300 people going through the gates into New Steine Gardens. The organisation was first class and there were no queues for the toilets.
In the words of one supporter: “This is how I remember Brighton Pride being ten years ago. Not too busy, not too large. I felt part of a community of friends and supporters.”
Organisations present included Allsorts, AIDS/HIV Alliance, Broken Rainbow UK. Rise, Mosaic, Survivors Network, Community Safety Casework Team, Sussex Police, FTM Brighton, MindOut, Pace, LGBT Switchboard, BLAGSS, Sussex Students Union, Mermaids, Trans Pride, The Clare Project and THT who had stalls offering information in the community area. Lunch Positive the HIV charity who provide a healthy meal once a week for positive people held a pop up community cafe providing tea, coffee and cakes.
The main stage was hosted by transgender comic Claire Parker who introduced singers, DJs, poets and comics during the afternoon to an enthusiastic audience.
Cllr Chaun Wilson, Equalities spokesperson for Labour and Co-operative, said:
“Labour in Brighton and Hove welcomes the first Trans Pride. We participated in and supported the trans scrutiny, and local members like Baroness Joyce Gould have been at the forefront of efforts in Parliament to ensure trans people are included in the equal marriage legislation. It was Labour who passed the Gender Recognition Act and we will press for further equality under a Labour government after 2015.”
Dee Simpson, Deputy leader of the Conservative group, said:
“Congratulations to the organisers of the first fantastic Trans Pride day which I was delighted to attend on behalf of the Conservative Group. It was great to be invited to speak and show our commitment to taking forward issues highlighted during the recent Trans scrutiny. I really hope this will now become an annual event complete with the parade that unfortunately couldn’t take place this year.”
Deputy leader of the Council, Cllr Phleim Mac Cafferty, said:
“I’m very proud that we are the first UK city to host Trans pride. Our own Trans community is one of the most marginalised groups in Brighton & Hove, and events like this help to challenge the discrimination and prejudice they face.”
Trans*Pride got off to a great start on Friday night at the Dukes@Komedia with the screening of the film Tomboy. Demand for tickets was greater than expected and the viewing was moved into the larger cinema at Dukes.
Trans* Pride celebrations continue this afternoon, Sunday 28 with a picnic from noon till 5pm on Brighton beach just to the left of Brighton Pier and directly opposite New Steine Gardens.Look out for the Trans* Flags.
Organisers will provide some blankets and cushions to take care of your bottoms. Take you own food, the organisers will be providing plates, cutlery, napkins, bin bags and a few snacks and nibbles.
There are public toilet facilities on Madeira Drive next to where the picnic will be, and some parking is available on Madeira Drive. Organiser will be located near the paved area for wheelchair users and those who do not wish to sit on the pebbles. Remember to take your sunscreen, an umbrella for shade/rain and some water!
Trans* Pride is organised by a small group of volunteers and they are affiliated to Brighton Pride. Trans* Pride is part of the Brighton Pride Week series of events.
Broken Rainbow UK the National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline sponsor Trans*Pride 2013.
Federico Podeschi, their CEO, said:
“Broken Rainbow UK is delighted to have sponsored Trans* Pride Brighton 2013, as a charity we have been supporting the trans* communities for over 10 years with our national LGBT Domestic Violence helpline and other support and awareness services. We are very pleased to be able to extend this support to the self-organised celebration of Trans* Pride Brighton. We believe they will go from strength to strength in the coming years, if fact they have already started to attract visitors from outside the UK!
Finally we would like to remind everyone that as well as being able to call our helpline on 0300 999 5428 whenever it is open, we also have a trans* specific service on Tuesdays between 1pm and 5pm when calls are answered by members of the trans* community.”
Organisers still need money to pay for the event.
If you can help DONATE HERE:
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