Thousands gather for ‘biggest trans march in the world’ in Toronto

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A crowd of thousands gathered in Toronto last night for what is believed to be the biggest trans march in the world.

The eighth annual transgender rights march too over the streets of downtown Toronto as part of Pride celebrations.

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Revellers chanted “Let’s get critical, my Pride is political!” and “Trans rights they matter here.”

Around 4,000 people gathered at the march, police estimate.

Black Lives Matter led the march which was attended by trans fitness model Aydian Dowling, who said he was overwhelmed by the turnout.

Black Lives Matter co founder Janaya Khan spoke at the rally to say: “When the most marginalized lives have what they need, then we all have what we need.”

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Dowling was a runner up in the Men’s Health Ultimate Guy competition.

Dowling in August travelled to New York for a photoshoot as one of five finalists in a Men’s Health cover competition.

He was interviewed at the trans march, watch it here:

In Istanbul two weeks ago, a group of trans activists staged a small Pride celebration, but were quickly shut down by police who used tear gas and rubber bullets to subdue the crowd.