Trans Pride Brighton 2023: everything you need to know

As many as 20,000 people will march through the city demanding equal rights for transgender people today, before an afternoon of music and celebration featuring trans and non-binary artists.

Organisers have been forced to make some last minute changes to today's celebrations due to extreme weather conditions, with performances being moved from a park event in Brunswick Square in Hove to indoor venues in central Brighton.

The event, which is marking its tenth anniversary, kicked off celebrations on Thursday with a film screening, with a fundraising gala taking place at the Brighton Dome last night, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK stars Dakota Schiffer and Cheddar Gorgeous.

Trans Pride Brighton was the first trans-specific Pride event to take place in the UK, being first held in the city in 2013.

Sarah Savage, one of the organisers of the event, said Trans Pride Brighton had grown from strength to strength over the last decade.

She said: “To see our event get so much support, not from just the trans community, but also from cisgender allies, has been really heartwarming and affirming to me that we are supported and loved.”

Where and when is the protest march for Trans Pride Brighton?

The revised route map for Trans Pride Brighton (Image: Trans Pride Brighton)

Crowds will gather in Jubilee Square for 11am this morning, with speeches from activists at 11.30.

The protesters will set off at midday, heading in a loop back towards Jubilee Square passing by the Old Steine, Brighton seafront and the city centre.

The march had been due to head towards Brunswick Gardens but the route has been changed due to extreme weather conditions.

Strong winds of up to 55mph are forecast along the south coast, with an amber weather warning in place for all of Sussex.

Who is performing at Trans Pride Brighton this year?

The festivities will see performances from Alice Denny, gay disco synthpop band Husk, drag queen C*ntry and Westhern, alternative rock group Sea Glass and queer punk act Daffodildos.

Due to concerns about the weather, organisers have been forced to abandon plans for a park event in Brunswick Square. Instead, performances will take place in various venues in the city centre.

A dozen of the acts will perform from 1pm at the Brighton Dome, with three others - St. Lucifer, Dee Diva and Daffodildos performing from 6pm at The Actors in Prince's Street.

Additional Trans Pride celebrations will also be taking place at The Ledward Centre in Jubilee Street and The Queery bookshop in George Street.

How much does it cost to attend Trans Pride Brighton?

The festivities for Trans Pride Brighton are free to attend. However, attendees have been encouraged to make a donation to ensure the event can take place in the future.

In a statement announcing last minute changes to today's event due to weather conditions, organisers said: "As many of you know, we suffered significant financial losses this year, so a low turn out poses a threat to Trans Pride Brighton's future.

"We will be unable to continue with our events and protests in the coming year if we do not raise significant funds this year, so if you do plan to attend, please support regardless of venue."

Why does Trans Pride Brighton take place?

Sarah Savage, who recently won a Pride Award for LGBTQ+ magazine Attitude, said that Trans Pride Brighton is more important than ever, given the nature of the national conversation around transgender rights.

She said: “Our rights are actively being debated in Parliament. We are at the centre of a culture war and it feels like a really oppressive environment to exist in if you’re trans or non-binary in the UK today.

“Having a day where we can find our community and connect with each other on a basis of joy, celebration, love and solidarity - that’s so important to have right now.

“Just give us one day of the year when we can enjoy ourselves.”