Hundreds turn out at trans rights protest in Manchester city centre
Hundreds of people joined a second 'trans rights' demonstration in Manchester in as many days. Yesterday (Good Friday), hundreds took to the streets of the city centre in an impromptu demo.
It came after the UK's Supreme Court ruled this week that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.
Some campaigners hailed the court ruling as a victory. But others, including those who demonstrated today, have called it a 'betrayal' for trans people and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
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Today (Saturday), several hundred again gathered in St Peter's Square. They converged on the area in front of Manchester Central Library. Many were draped in the transgender flag. Others held up handmade signs. One read 'we aren't the weirdos mister' whilst others said 'more glitter, less bitter.'
At the front, a large banner read: "Support trans lives, it's not rocket science.' A number of speakers addressed the crowd at the event, organised by Trans Pride Manchester.
There were cheers as one said 'trans women are women' and 'trans men are men.' The crowd also repeatedly chanted 'trans rights, human rights.'
Emily Chomicz, 25, said: "This protest is about love. About loving each other. We are all the same. And whatever affects trans people, affects everyone.
"We're fighting because there's no one else to fight for us."
She described the Supreme court ruling as an 'extinction event' for trans people. "Now is the time to take action" she said.
Lynsey said: "The people who campaigned for this think it'll make women safer, but I don't think it will. In lots of ways. Bringing people down to biology is just ridiculous." "Trans people are already a minority, we don't need punching down" they added.
They said the protest 'sent a message that we're not going away.'
In a message posted on social media afterwards, Trans Pride Manchester said: "It was deeply moving to see so many people turn up for Trans Rights, despite the far right.
"We made ourselves seen and heard in Manchester on mass and it was a beautiful display of solidarity. We know it was a highly stressful day for everyone involved but felt safe and loved throughout the day."
An estimated 20,000 people gathered at an 'emergency protest' organised by transgender groups in London's Parliament Square.
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