An estimated 20,000 gathered in Brighton in protest for trans liberation on Saturday (16 July). Trans Pride Brighton returned last weekend for the first time since before the pandemic.
The parade set off from Jubilee Square before marching along the seafront. Activists, allies and members of LGBTQ+ community carried flags including the intersex flag, the Pride Progress flag and shouted out chants such as “trans rights now!”.
Brighton Newspaper The Argus reported protesters carrying banners reading “Trans liberation now”, “Trans women belong in sport” and “We will always be here”.
Protesters received a warm welcome from passers-by according to Twitter.
“During the Brighton Trans Pride Protest March a person ran up the side of the road with a sign saying ‘Honk for trans rights’, every single car honked and waved and smiled,” one user wrote.
“Terfs act like everyone hates trans people but clearly that’s not true.”
Protesters’ placards also shared messages addressing the conversation around trans rights amidst the ongoing Conservative party leadership election, including the trans conversion therapy ban.
According to The Argus, one banner appeared to call out Liz Truss, reading: “Form a government, we can’t even Truss her to reform an act.”
Response to the protest has been largely positive with many flocking to social media to share their feelings about the event.
“Participating in the Trans Pride march in Brighton today was incredibly uplifting and beautifully emotional,” one user shared.
“One of the best bits about Trans Pride Brighton this year was getting to bring my wonderful boyfriend, who is the most accepting (and most handsome) man in the world,” another said.
“So accepting, in fact, that a photographer mistakenly thought Dan was trans too.”
Trans Pride Brighton has been running since 2013. According to reports, this year marked the largest ever turnout for the event.
Later this month, the city will also host Brighton and Hove Pride, which celebrates the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a parade set to feature businesses and organisations across Brighton.
See all of the best photos from Trans Pride Brighton below.
Brighton Trans Pride, I love you! 🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/r4bzdxYYON
— steph 🦖 (@queermurphys) July 16, 2022
brighton trans pride was amazing! i wish there had been more time to talk to everybody, so you're all welcome to pop into my DMs! pic.twitter.com/LPNodsWQlq
— leo 😻 (@gaytransleo) July 17, 2022
Trans pride Brighton. 🏳️⚧️✨💓 pic.twitter.com/HpKRxtbWrZ
— Liam Beattie (@Liam_Beattie) July 16, 2022
One of the best bits about Trans Pride Brighton this year was getting to bring my wonderful boyfriend, who is the most accepting (and most handsome) man in the world
So accepting, in fact, that a photographer mistakenly thought Dan was trans too.
🏳️🌈👨❤️💋👨 pic.twitter.com/r3CXnXSAdd
— Arthur Webber 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@BernieTranders) July 17, 2022
Trans Pride Brighton – Protest March!
It was busier than 2019, and that was 7k people.
My guess is 10k+ people marching! For trans healthcare that works for us, instead of what we have now that's broken. For legal recognition, including non-binary people, pic.twitter.com/nZYMvr4P75— MelissaB (@Dr_Melissa_B) July 16, 2022
Participating in the Trans Pride march in Brighton today was incredibly uplifting and beautifully emotional. #TransPrideBrighton ✨🏳️⚧️✨ pic.twitter.com/xBpV9ychQS
— Penelope Trappes (@PenelopeTrappes) July 16, 2022
fun times at trans pride brighton the other day 🙂 pic.twitter.com/1HqOczk74c
— jess 🐄 (@videogamercow1) July 18, 2022
Brighton trans pride with my gorgeous trans family 🏳️⚧️
20,000 people!! So much solidarity & trans joy ❤️ bigotry is not winning, no matter what UK mainstream media & politicians want us to believe pic.twitter.com/bXnEAyrg5G
— Emilie (@_emiliecousins) July 18, 2022
So lovely to see @JKPBooks at Trans Pride Brighton today. Look at all those beautiful queer books and beautiful queer people 🥰💗🌈🏳️⚧️✨ pic.twitter.com/TcNT523vAp
— Harry Taylor (@Harry_JKP) July 16, 2022
The Holy Church of Trans.
Trans Joy is divine.
Trans Pride Brighton yesterday. pic.twitter.com/k5jt3IusmH
— 🦕 Stoat KPSS 🟥 Ermine 🟥 #IStandWithMaya🦖 (@StoatlyL) July 17, 2022
Thousands of people marched through the city yesterday to celebrate the in-person return of Trans Pride Brighton 🏳️⚧️
Read more: https://t.co/99V8hhlDEN pic.twitter.com/8NwMA9MUzz— Brighton Argus (@brightonargus) July 17, 2022
only went and met @noahfinnadams at brighton trans pride !! pic.twitter.com/9P28RPGcpM
— car🦇 (@copyofacopyc) July 16, 2022
Amazing turn out at Trans Pride Brighton pic.twitter.com/PnyfY5gzzd
— Ash #BlackLivesMatter (@ggnewed) July 16, 2022
Sending love, light and positive energy to everyone who finds joy and comfort in the many flags representing the queer community. Photo at Trans Pride Brighton. pic.twitter.com/cpbxNHmeDe
— The Flag Institute (@FlagInstitute) July 16, 2022
Trans Pride Brighton 🏳️⚧️ #TransPrideBrighton @junodawson you are such a gem! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/G2ln5CLH1M
— Glenn 🐻🇮🇪 (@QueerLilCub) July 16, 2022
Some great placards at trans pride Brighton. 🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/8O3RAyp5Gr
— James Armstrong #SupportRMT 🏳️🌈 (@PoliticoTeacher) July 16, 2022