Spirit of fightback at huge London Trans Pride
Ash Ritchie, Northampton Socialist Party
150,000 people marched, according to London Trans+ Pride organisers. The huge number is not surprising, given the Supreme Court ruling being used to attack trans people and others.
The size shows the anger and urgency felt. When one group’s rights are attacked, working-class people do show up in solidarity.
The atmosphere was anger, resistance, and determination. Trans Pride typically remains more radical and political than other Pride events, which have increasingly become corporate funded.
Many conversations Socialist Party members had with other attendees reflected this. Pride’s origin as a protest is being diluted by corporate interests.
Chants echoed down the streets, with calls and responses.
“When trans rights are under attack, what do we do?” “Stand up, fight back!” “What do we want?” “Trans rights”
“When do we want them?” “Now”
As well as “No Pride in Genocide”, showing the link between different movements.
Next steps include building organisations with democratic structures, to ensure safeguarding, training, and stewarding, so everyone is safe on these demonstrations. This should be the role of the trade unions.
Consultation on the anti-trans guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) ends on 6 August. Afterwards, employers will start to decide and implement policies. The trade unions have an important role fighting against bosses’ attempts at division, and to fight for the needs of all to be met.
This year reveals a movement that refuses to be pushed back into silence. Now, that energy has to be carried into our workplaces, unions, and communities, building the democratic structures capable of defending trans rights every day of the year.
If Pride began as a riot, then our task today is to turn that spirit into organised, collective resistance. A movement powerful enough to meet the attacks coming.
Nottingham – nothing can stop us
Sara Samuels, Nottingham Socialist Party
Marching with the Socialist Party banner created lots of opportunity for conversation on why Pride is political. We even got a shout out from the organisers to thank us for our support.
We had three Socialist Party campaign stalls in the 10,000-strong Pride march. We handed out leaflets and chatted with the crowd – solidarity across the working class is vital to a socialist alternative.
Socialist Party member Yousef explained the role of young people in our party to Pride attendees. We invited people to our Socialist Party Pride public meeting on 3 August.
Ash from Northampton Socialist Party will introduce that discussion. Ash attended Trans Pride in London on the same day (see opposite).
When we arrived from the march through Nottingham, Socialist Party members on the campaign stall already there were busy getting names. We achieved a list of 23 people interested in the Socialist Party. 17 people bought our Socialist paper, and we handed out 1,000 leaflets.
Nothing stops the Socialist Party campaigning. Not even far-right vloggers, who turned up to ask: “Why the unions had become politicised?” We didn’t hold back explaining the role of unions, how they have always been political, winning workers the rights we all enjoy today.
Days like this remind us why it is so important to stand in unity across the working class, and not allow the bosses to divide us.
Hull youth want to fight back
Iain Dalton, Yorkshire Socialist Party
Like many others, Hull Pride has become increasingly dominated by big business. This year’s parade, charging £5 per person for those joining it, had only one trade union contingent – the National Education Union (NEU).
But, despite this, our Socialist Party campaign stall between some of the Pride venues was busy. People came to buy our Socialist papers whilst we were still setting up the stall, and we still had people wanting to sign petitions as we packed down.
18 people bought the Socialist paper, donating another £40 to our fighting fund on top.
Our petition opposing the ongoing attacks on trans rights, but also for the material funding for health and other public services to be able to exercise those rights, was the most popular amongst young people. We also had people asking for more information about the 20 November youth walkout.
Newcastle – government and right couldn’t dampen our mood
Tyne and Wear Socialist Party member
8,000 people assembled. The rhythmic beating of drums and chants calling for trans rights flooded the city centre.
Supporters lining the route joined from all walks of life. Passers-by stopped to cheer.
The atmosphere felt optimistic and passionate, despite the countless actions taken by government and the far right to dampen it these past years.
Representing the Socialist Party, we joined the march displaying posters, distributing leaflets, and selling the Socialist paper. Attendees were positive and engaging.
Local and national trade unions attended – CWU, Equity, Unite, and Unison. While their presence was appreciated, the attendance of more unions showing support to LGBTQ+ people would have further demonstrated the strength of unity – particularly within the workforce.
The event was an illustration of the solidarity we need, now more than ever, to fight for our rights.
