> A trans memorial tree in Manchester’s Sackville Gardens has been left ‘irreparably damaged’ after going up in flames during pride celebrations. The National Trans Memorial, which is the first of its kind in the UK, caught fire on Sunday night (August 29) as revellers enjoyed the third night of pride.
>The cause of the fire is not known, but National Transgender Charity Sparkle say it may have been caused by a lit cigarette that was left by the tree on Sunday evening. Pictures of the aftermath show the charred tree, with heaps of ash on the ground, which has since been blocked off with metal barriers.
> The Sycamore tree, which was unveiled eight years ago, had been specially carved to transform it into the cheshired memorial and is decorated with plaques, naming trans people who have passed away as a place for them to be remembered. Following the blaze, a group of charity volunteers have spent hours clearing out the burned element of the tree and adorning it with coloured flowers, with ‘costly’ regeneration now needed to get it back into shape.
> In a statement, Sparkle said it was ‘saddened’ by the news, that has left the tree ‘irreparably damaged’ and structurally unsound. Their post added: “This means that those wishing to pay their respects to deceased trans relatives and friends this evening during tonight’s Vigil will not be able to do it next to the memorial. Representatives from the Charity will be by the memorial to protect attendees.
>”Sparkle will be working with Manchester Pride to ascertain the circumstances behind the damage to the memorial, and exploring how it can be replaced by a lasting and resilient monument that reflects the rich diversity of the trans, non-binary and gender expansive communities.”
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> A trans memorial tree in Manchester’s Sackville Gardens has been left ‘irreparably damaged’ after going up in flames during pride celebrations. The National Trans Memorial, which is the first of its kind in the UK, caught fire on Sunday night (August 29) as revellers enjoyed the third night of pride.
>The cause of the fire is not known, but National Transgender Charity Sparkle say it may have been caused by a lit cigarette that was left by the tree on Sunday evening. Pictures of the aftermath show the charred tree, with heaps of ash on the ground, which has since been blocked off with metal barriers.
> The Sycamore tree, which was unveiled eight years ago, had been specially carved to transform it into the cheshired memorial and is decorated with plaques, naming trans people who have passed away as a place for them to be remembered. Following the blaze, a group of charity volunteers have spent hours clearing out the burned element of the tree and adorning it with coloured flowers, with ‘costly’ regeneration now needed to get it back into shape.
> In a statement, Sparkle said it was ‘saddened’ by the news, that has left the tree ‘irreparably damaged’ and structurally unsound. Their post added: “This means that those wishing to pay their respects to deceased trans relatives and friends this evening during tonight’s Vigil will not be able to do it next to the memorial. Representatives from the Charity will be by the memorial to protect attendees.
>”Sparkle will be working with Manchester Pride to ascertain the circumstances behind the damage to the memorial, and exploring how it can be replaced by a lasting and resilient monument that reflects the rich diversity of the trans, non-binary and gender expansive communities.”
No way was this an accident, IMHO.
This sub will be rejoicing however.
Candle light vigil might no be the best of plans.