Hundreds turn out for London’s first transgender equality march

Large crowds turned out for London’s first Trans+ Liberation March over the weekend, with more than 1,500 reportedly joining the demonstration.

According to the BBC, organizer Lucia Blayke described the display as “absolutely incredible and overwhelming,” adding that the massive turnout had not not expected.

“The sun’s out and the sky’s blue, if you look at everyone’s faces it’s just big smiles,” Blayke said. “For trans people it’s a lot different being out in public. Usually we’re scared, we’re having things shouted at us, we’re humiliated and just really embarrassed.”{mosads}

“Social interactions aren’t usually that relaxing so today is all about being together in public and keeping each other safe and uplifted,” she continued. 

The inaugural march ran from London’s Hyde Park Corner to Soho Square and ended with a series of speeches. 

#TransPrideLondon #TransIsBeautiful #transpride

We are marching!!!! pic.twitter.com/PZyw9uXTHZ

— Donna (@Donna_Beeeee) September 14, 2019

Trans rights have been viciously under attack in this country. Today, we take to the streets for trans pride! pic.twitter.com/IGaKHk5Ce6

— Travis (@travisalabanza) September 14, 2019

Solidarity with all those marching today for #TransPride in London – our Trans Officer and LGBT+ Officer are in attendance alongside LYL members marching for Trans Liberation. pic.twitter.com/Zmd61N4TfP

— London Young Labour (@LDNYoungLabour) September 14, 2019 

London Trans+ Pride, which organized the march, describes itself as a grassroots event unaffiliated with Pride in London. It says it is focused on creating space for London’s “trans, non-binary, intersex and gender nonconforming community to come together and celebrate our identities.”

Organizers said the march was both a celebration of the community as well as a protest against a lack of rights.