Councillor Chris Northwood has spoken out in support after more than 8,000 people joined the March
People previously gathered in St Peter’s Square on April 18 after the Supreme Court Ruling on the Equality Act(Image: Jake Lindley / Manchester Evening News)
A Greater Manchester councillor has spoken out in support after thousands of people took to the streets for Trans Pride MCR.
Cllr Chris Northwood of Ancoats and Beswick praised the community, and hit back against “attempts to push us back in the closet and outside of public life.”
Over 8,000 people joined the march on August 3 to protest and draw attention to the mounting challenges faced by the transgender community in Manchester and across the UK.
Cllr Northwood also condemned the much smaller protest of 600 people who attended a rally organised by far-right organisation Britain First in the city centre on the same day.
Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here
She told the Manchester Evening News: “Whilst others the city protested in favour of divisiveness, Manchester’s trans community and allies once again turned up to celebrate our identities, being out of the closet and proud of who we are, and making the case that we will not back down under attacks and attempts to push us back in the closet and outside of public life.
“I attended alongside friends who had not before who were thrilled to find an atmosphere of tolerance, love and togetherness as our community withstands a greater attack than any in recent years.”
Organisers Trans Pride MCR also ran workshops and social events after the main march from Oxford Road to Vimto Park.
In a statement posted on their Instagram page, Trans Pride MCR said: “Over 8000 of you attended and supported Trans Pride MCR this year.
“You all contributed to a powerful, beautiful reminder of what our community is capable of. Together, we showed that no matter the challenges we face, we will always stand tall, proud, and united.
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
They added: “A huge thank you as well to all of our volunteers, your time, care, and hard work made the day possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.
“Your presence, your energy, your love, it means everything.”