London Trans Pride announces defiant return to protest government’s ‘blatant disregard for trans safety’

Apr 22 2021
Written by Vic Parsons

London Trans Pride announces June protest: 'We march for trans life'

People march at London’s first-ever Trans Pride, 2019. (WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

London Trans Pride has announced that a peaceful protest will go ahead this year in the capital with a confirmed June date.

On 26 June, trans and intersex people and their allies will “celebrate the memory of trans lives taken and uphold the next generation of trans revolutionaries”, the organisers said in a statement.

Organisers also called out the “abhorrent double standard” of attacks on healthcare for trans youth in the UK while intersex genital mutilation surgeries continue to be practiced on infants.

“We echo the Intersex NGO Coalition UK‘s appeal to end all harmful IGM practices, ensure redress and compensation, and provide access to free counselling,” organisers said.

London Trans Pride will meet at Wellington Arch in central London. Organisers have confirmed that the march route will be accessible, and that first aiders and legal observers will be in attendance. Personal protective equipment, hi-vis, food and water will be provided for attendees.

To keep the event “grassroots and DIY in the true spirit of Pride”, London Trans Pride has also launched a fundraiser.

“This protest is in response to the UK Government’s continued blatant disregard of trans safety and wellbeing,” said London Trans Pride.

“To use the cover of a global health crisis to scrap progressive reforms to the Gender Recognition Act mandated by the results of the 2018 national consultation is no less than calculated. We need community-led transformation now more than ever. Trans life is change.”

Last year’s event saw thousands take to London’s streets to march for trans and intersex rights, and to honour the Black trans icon Elie Che, who died last summer. This came weeks after another trans rights protest was cancelled over fears about arrests.

Protesting in the UK is currently under threat, with a controversial bill put forward by the Conservatives set to grant police sweeping new powers to stifle peaceful demonstrations. Campaigners warn it will heavily impact on minority groups, and feminist direct action group Sisters Uncut has launched a “Kill the Bill” series of protests in response.

The first London Trans Pride took place in 2019, partly as a response to the hijacking of the front of the Pride in London parade in 2018 by a group of anti-trans campaigners.