Over 100,000 March Against UK Transphobia as London Trans Pride Breaks Records

London witnessed an unprecedented show of solidarity on Saturday as more than 100,000 people marched through the city’s streets for London Trans Pride 2025, making it the largest trans pride event ever recorded worldwide . The march began at BBC Broadcasting House in Langham Place and culminated at Parliament Square Gardens, where participants gathered to hear speeches from activists, community leaders, and allies.

Organisers described the event as “the largest Trans Pride event in history,” noting that attendance surpassed last year’s turnout by around 40,000 people, underlining the event’s growing significance in the context of ongoing debates about transgender rights in the United Kingdom . The event was guided by the theme “Existence & Resistance,” a reflection of the community’s resilience amid mounting social and political challenges .

This year’s march took on particular urgency following the UK Supreme Court’s April decision that clarified the definition of “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 as referring to “biological” sex . Many participants and speakers highlighted the impact of this ruling, which advocates say could restrict the rights and recognition of transgender people in key areas such as healthcare, legal documentation, and access to public spaces.

Bobby Harding, fundraising lead for London Trans+ Pride, spoke to the crowd about the importance of collective action in the face of what they described as “sweeping decisions about trans people without consulting a single trans person or organisation” . Harding emphasized, “It’s a total honour to be part of history like this, because this is now the largest Trans Pride event in history, in the world... At a time when a small, well-funded lobby of anti-trans campaigners continues to dominate headlines and waste public resources, our community came together to show what real strength, solidarity and care looks like.”

Heartstopper actress Yasmin Finney and trans rights campaigner Caroline Litman were among the keynote speakers at Parliament Square . Litman spoke movingly about her daughter Alice, who died by suicide in 2022 after waiting almost three years for gender-affirming healthcare, underscoring the urgent need for reform in trans health services and support systems. Finney drew cheers and applause as she called for continued resistance and visibility, reminding the crowd, “Our existence is natural, historic, and enduring. You can try to take away our rights, but you will never remove us from society. We are a part of humanity – and the public will not stand by while harm is done to our community.”

The event’s atmosphere was described as both emotional and powerful, with participants carrying banners, flags, and placards bearing messages such as “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” and “Protect Trans Youth” . Throughout the day, chants of solidarity echoed through central London, with many marchers describing the protest as a lifeline amid a climate of increasing hostility and legislative uncertainty.

Since its inception in 2019, London Trans+ Pride has grown rapidly in size and significance, serving as a focal point for advocacy, visibility, and remembrance . The event is organized by a volunteer committee, including EM Williams, Sweatmother, Ren Mars, and Lewis G. Burton, alongside many others who remain anonymous. Beyond the annual march, the collective has been active in year-round advocacy, including high-profile interventions at cultural events such as the Glastonbury Festival.

The record turnout this year was widely interpreted as a direct response to legislative and societal pressures facing transgender people in the UK. The march maintained its roots as both a celebration and a protest, with organisers reiterating the importance of defending trans rights and commemorating trans lives lost to violence, discrimination, and lack of access to care .

As the crowd dispersed on Saturday evening, the sense of unity and determination was palpable. Many participants expressed hope that the visibility and momentum generated by London Trans Pride 2025 would translate into meaningful policy change and increased public understanding.

Organisers pledged to continue their advocacy and support work, emphasizing that the fight for equality and justice remains ongoing. As Harding concluded, “The message was clear: we will not be erased.”