Crowds have gathered in Brighton to mark the Trans Pride protest calling for equal rights for transgender people.
Organisers expect between 5,000 to 10,000 people to take part, half the original estimate after a yellow weather warning for wind and rain forced a change of route.
Flags and banners were waved as the volunteer-led community event, now in its 10th year, began outside Brighton Library with speeches and applause.
Brighton and Hove’s first openly trans councillor, Raphael Hill, said addressing Trans Pride Brighton later on Saturday is “a real privilege”.
Cllr Hill said Trans Pride is really important, particularly in the “current political climate” where they said the trans community feels treated as a “political issue” and a “problem”.
The Green party councillor added: “We are people, we deserve rights and have feelings the same as anyone else.”
The 26-year-old, who was elected in May, said being trans made their decision to stand as a councillor more difficult because of concerns for their safety and how to deal with misunderstandings around trans people.
“I’m very mindful of both my safety but also the importance of my role because it’s quite unique in having those two identities,” Cllr Hill added.
Published: by Radio NewsHub
