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Record crowds attend Trans Pride

Besi Besemar July 27, 2016

Record numbers of visitors flocked to Brighton & Hove on Saturday, July 23 to support Trans Pride, raise awareness of gender diversity and promote equality.

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Photo by: Stella Pix

The third annual Trans Pride March (fourth event) set off from the Marlborough Pub in Princes Street. It was attended by people from all over the UK bringing roads around The Old Steine to a standstill. The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Pete West marched at the front of the parade with his son.

More than 2,500 people joined the March which was very well organised and noisy. Trans people and their allies, statutory and LGBTQ organisations, unions and members of the local Green Party including Cllr Phelim Mac Cafferty, the Convener of the Green Group of Councillors on the city council, marched together in solidarity, reinforcing the growing confidence trans people have gained not only in the city, but also in Sussex and across the country.

Trans Pride committee member Sarah Savage marshalled the Parade away from the Marlborough at noon, towards the Brighton Pier, where it turned right, progressing along the seafront to Hove and its new home in Brunswick Square.

It drew by far the largest attendance to date with organisers saying more than 4,500 unique visitors entered through the park gates during the day.

Since its inception in 2013, Trans Pride has grown organically each year and its move to the iconic surroundings of Brunswick Gardens in Hove, proved to be a masterstroke. The Park was well laid out, allowing the crowds to circulate in comfort and ease.

The change of location to Hove also gave the March a much higher profile than previous years, bringing the traffic on Brighton seafront to a complete stop.

The main stage was hosted by Romario and Emma Frankland who both kept the entertainment moving nicely along. Between speeches from members of the Trans Pride committee and guest speakers, entertainment was provided by Taylor LucasRenNona WyldAlice DennyScreaming ToenailConnor ByrneChemtrails and headliners Mr Squid.

The community stall area was fully subscribed with a range of local and national trans groups represented along with LGBT charities and service providers.

Sussex Police, Brighton & Hove City Council, The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioners office and other agencies offering support to the trans communities in the city were also visible and the community area was packed all day long.

After a sunny morning a sea mist came down, but the rain stayed off and all in all the weather was perfect for the many families with children who enjoyed picnics in the gardens.

Mostly impressively, the atmosphere of the event was spot on. Music was not too loud, speeches could easily be heard, all the community stalls were busy and the grass was covered with friends, allies and families having picnics, chatting and really enjoying themselves.

Each successive year, Trans Pride matures, highlighting the size of the Trans communities in Brighton & Hove and beyond.

Well done to the volunteers and everyone involved in organising Trans Pride 2016. Here’s to next year!

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Terrence Higgins Trust joined the march and the park event to raise awareness of good sexual health and HIV.

The UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity again joined forces with Clinic T, the specialised sexual health service for anyone who identifies as trans or gender variant, for the 4th Brighton and Hove Trans Pride.

Staff and volunteers answered questions about sexual health and local services at the joint stall in Brunswick Square, providing information, support and where to get tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STIs) locally.  Condoms, femidoms and dams were provided to help everyone look after their sexual health and enjoy safe sex.

Tom Boyt, Senior Community Engagement Officer at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Trans Pride is a fantastic celebration for the city that gets bigger and bigger every year. It was fantastic to see Bedford Square so welcoming, friendly and with a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere throughout the day.

“Terrence Higgins Trust and Clinic T were on hand with sexual health information, advice and resources to promote and assist those attending the importance of looking after their sexual health and how easy and available services are locally. It also gave us the opportunity to highlight our successful  joint partnership working between Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH), Clinic T, and of course the fabulous Trans* community.”

Terrence Higgins Trust provides support, information and advice services for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health.

Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton is based at 61 Ship Street and provides free HIV testing and STI screening. It also offers a wide range of services for people living with HIV.

Photos by Stella Pix:

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