On 21 April Monday a city-wide march was organised across Cardiff for Trans Liberation. This protest was in response to the UK Supreme’s Court recent ruling defining what gender is under the Equality Act. Cardiff’s protest was only one of many that has recently occurred over the country.
This protest was organised by Trans Aid Cymru, who wanted to fight the recent ruling. In their announcement post they and called upon other movements to join them. These include feminist, LGBTQ+, anti-racist, and environmentalist ones.
Taking place in the afternoon, hundreds of members of the transgender community and allies were present for the protest. Many were holding a wide array of flags which included the traditional rainbow, the Transgender flag, and the flag of Palestine. Several police officers followed the march, and there were also volunteers in high-visibility jackets who stood around the outside, warning protestors who to avoid talking to.
Every emotion was present on the day but all seemed underpinned by an anger and a sadness. Several attendees shared their thoughts, and it was clear that all were hurt by the recent ruling. “I am a trans woman and I am sick to death of the UK government and British media steamrolling all over trans people and our rights.” “Our existence is not up for debate.” When asked what justice would like to them, one protestor said they just want to be themself. “Just to be allowed to be ourselves. Everyone is different so please accept the differences.” This sentiment was carried by a large number of protestors, many of whom carried signs.
Several include “Hand off my daughter”, “Trans lives are divine’”, and “We won’t be erased”. Starting at the Aneurin Bevan Statue, the march ended at the BBC Building in Central Square. Once the march officially started, different slogans were yelled out by several key figures who were leading. “Fix your hearts!
Not our parts!” Not the clinic! Not the state! We decide our own fate!” Despite their strong and communal presence, protestors inevitably had to face queerphobes.
One man stood from the side jeering and recording, yelling at the protestors and laughing at them. He went largely ignored, however, and the march continued past him, ending outside Cardiff Central Station. After the march had ended, the message from Trans Aid Cymru and all of the protestors were clear: Transgender people deserve safety, dignity, and the right to live their lives as freely as everyone else can.