As we approach Pride Month 2023, Pride in London, has established its campaign for this year which is specifically aimed at demonstrating solidarity and support with trans and non-binary people. In light of increasing hostilities and hatred towards these individuals, the Never March Alone campaign highlights the need for allyship with these communities.
Championing Trans Allyship
The full campaign, “Never March Alone: Championing Trans Allyship”, is argued to be increasingly important since crimes targeting transgender people have increased by 56% between 2021 and 2022. Moreover, the campaign is also designed to back these communities against political decisions such as the Government’s decision to Block Scotland’s Gender Recognition Act.
The campaign will run ahead of London’s annual Pride procession on Saturday 1st July which will see an estimated 1.5 million visitors.
The project was coordinated with trans advocates such as MZ Kimberly, Hannah and Jake Graf and Dani St.James and features a range of photos and videos of trans and non-binary people, as well as their allies.
Responses
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan asserted that he is “pleased this year’s campaign will be in support of the capital’s trans and non-binary community”. Khan also asserted how Pride in London has “helped to change our society” through solidarity and celebration. He continued “In London you are free to be who you want to be and to love you want to love, and in July more than 1.5m people will once again take to the streets to send that message to the world.”
Christopher Joell-Deshields, chief executive of Pride in London, said: “Pride in London is much more than a celebration of our vibrant community; it is a powerful gathering that fosters unity and support. Amidst the ongoing adversity faced by the LGBT+ community worldwide, we want every trans and non-binary person to feel the unwavering solidarity we offer. You are not alone – we stand with you”.
Hannah Graf said: “Jake and I were delighted to be able to help Pride in London shape its 2023 campaign and it was of course of paramount importance to us that all facets of our community felt included. With the recent influx of transphobic headlines and commentators, the trans and non-binary community needs support more than ever.”
“Never March Alone is a powerful message that centres trans people, while also celebrating the rest of the community and their vital support and allyship.”
Final thought
Pride in London’s 2023 campaign looks to successfully highlight the need for allyship with trans and non-binary people. In a way that celebrates these individuals, but also points to the everyday struggles they face, this project appears inspiring and progressive. It is important to remember that this allyship needs to come both from those who in the LGBTQIA+ community, and outside. For those who look forward to London’s annual Pride parade, this campaign appears both exciting and necessary.