The left wing weekly Socialist Worker reports that as many as one hundred and fifty thousand participated in Saturday's Trans March in London.

What began as a small gathering in 2019 has swelled into what organisers have described as the largest trans+ pride event ever held anywhere in the world. Attendance at this year’s march has grown significantly compared to previous years, reflecting both the strength of the community and the heightened urgency of the fight for trans rights.

One non-binary participant described the atmosphere as overwhelming and affirming. “This is a huge community. I feel so blessed to be here, fighting for trans rights,” they told Socialist Worker.

This year’s demonstration has taken on particular significance as the state escalates its attacks on trans+ individuals. A controversial directive from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is due to come into force on 5 August. It will instruct public bodies and institutions to deny trans+ people access to single-sex spaces, a move widely condemned as transphobic.

Organisers made clear that the event was a protest rather than a celebration. Placards carried messages such as “my right to exist is not up for debate”, while campaigners distributed leaflets explaining how participants could resist the EHRC guidelines and restrictions on hormone replacement therapy.

Jess from AKT, a charity supporting homeless LGBT+ youth, highlighted the real-world impact of the policy shift. “We’ve struggled immensely with the number of referrals coming in since the EHRC guidelines,” she said. Her colleague Hayley called on the government to act. “We need the government to prioritise homeless LGBT+ people. Housing needs to be talked about. They have to build more houses.”

Rebecca, a marcher from East London, expressed frustration at what she sees as a backward step. “I’m here to stand up for trans+ rights. We were standing up for them 10 years ago and now we have to fight again. It’s horrific that they’re being rolled back.” She also urged Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to confront those she described as “transphobes who do not represent the majority”.

Solidarity with international struggles was a strong theme throughout the march. Palestinian flags and keffiyehs were widely visible, and one placard read: “If you tolerate Labour’s genocide in Palestine, you will be next”. Rally speakers called for support for Palestine, the Congo, and other nations facing what they termed imperial slaughter.

The event drew backing from several trade unions, including the NEU, Prospect, Equity, and PCS, as well as activist groups such as Transparent Action and FFLAG, the latter representing parents and relatives of trans+ and LGBT+ people.

Despite the hostile political climate, the mood on the streets was largely jubilant. One sign bore the message “trans joy is here to stay”. Music was provided by Samba Sisters, a collective of women and non-binary samba musicians. Phi from the group explained their participation: “We’re here because trans+ sisters and brothers are our siblings. We’re sick and tired of a marginalised group being downtrodden and pushed out of society. I love trans people and non-binary people, they’re my family.”

Supporters of Women Against The Far Right (WAFR) joined the march to draw attention to the rising threat of far-right and fascist groups, who often claim to defend women while targeting trans+ people. Samira from WAFR said: “We know the far right wants to attack all women, and they’re using transphobia as a way to divide us. Cis women have to stand with trans women, it’s one struggle, one fight.”

The immense turnout on the streets of London demonstrated that transphobic voices do not speak for the majority, organisers said. With a new prime minister in office, there is an opportunity to move away from the transphobic policies associated with Keir Starmer. However, early cabinet appointments have done little to inspire confidence, leading activists to argue that pressure must be sustained. They urged workers to support their trans+ colleagues and to refuse to comply with the forthcoming EHRC guidance.