When they started this event in 2013, the organisers of Trans Pride Brighton could barely have thought that the rights they were gradually winning would be methodically removed over the ensuing years. It would be reasonable to expect society to move forward, but certain influential people thought differently, so here we are thirteen years later, squaring up to the oppressors more than ever.

On Saturday 18^th July 2026, Brighton saw record numbers of trans people and their allies marching through the streets. The day began with speeches at Valley Gardens, including from author Juno Dawson, who led the parade through the middle of a busy Saturday afternoon seaside town, to process along the seafront and arrive back at the start.

In the best way possible, Trans Pride Brighton in 2026 is like what gay pride used to be a few decades ago. No floats, no corporate sponsorship, no entry fee, no rip-off prices and no straight people out for a party. Instead, we had large numbers of joyful, angry, defiant queer people marching with intent and local trans groups offering community to those looking for it.

Post-parade, the event occupied two areas of Brighton: a band stage at Victoria Gardens and an acoustic, sober and family space in Dorset Gardens with a smaller event at the Actors Pub, a Makers Market at the Brighton Dome and the Trans Pride After Party at the Corn Exchange later on.

The sense of community and support was palpable from the diverse crowd.  I know from personal experience the sense of freedom that comes from being with people like me at this kind of event, so I hope that in an increasingly hostile world, the trans community felt that too.

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