Trans Pride NI holds annual Belfast rally

Crowds gathered at Writer’s Square in Belfast today for Trans Pride NI’s annual rally.

The rally, which was first held in 2018, included speeches from trans and non-binary individuals about issues affecting the trans community in the north.

There were also performances on stage from local drag artists.

Stalls featuring LGBTQ+ organisations including the Rainbow Project and the Belfast Trans Resource Centre were set up on the square for individuals to learn about support available to trans, non-binary and intersex people and their families.

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Leo Lardie, Chair of Trans Pride NI, said: “We were delighted by the warm reception and wonderful turnout for today’s Trans Pride rally in Belfast.”

“It’s so important, especially in the current environment where trans communities and trans rights are under attack, that trans people out there know that there is positivity and joy in our lives and our communities.

“In recent weeks and months, we’ve seen bans on our healthcare, constant debates and discourse in the media and attacks by politicians, all while our gender identity services are in complete disarray,” he added.

“Today was both a protest against this rights regression and a celebration of the beauty and joy that trans people bring to our society in Northern Ireland.”

Among those in attendance was the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Micky Murray, who gave a speech on stage.

“To everyone here today, I want you to know that Belfast is your city, that you’re an integral part of our community and we’re better because of you,” he said.

“Your courage, your strength and your authenticity inspires us all.

“As long as I am Lord Mayor, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure that Belfast remains a city of hope, inclusivity and pride.”

The rally features as part of a series of events which the group says aim to “celebrate transgender people and promote gender equality in NI in 2024″.