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A ragtag group of local trans activists and community-builders (including Magandjin People’s Pride and UQU Queer Collective) organised a march and rally on the 30th of March for Transgender Day of Visibility (31st March). This was one part of a National Day of Action for transgender resistance, with similar events held in every state and territory.
Magandjin People’s Pride is a grassroots organisation centred around Queer and LGBTQIA+ liberation, mutual aid, and community-building. Their events are community-focused and categorically reject the corporatisation of Pride.
The event began with housekeeping from Ali Spanevello, our very own UQU Queer Officer. Attendees were given the option to remain at the rally location for those who weren’t able to march. Signs with slogans of Trans Liberation and “protect trans youth” were distributed, and 15-20 of those marching held high a massive transgender pride flag during the march, including through Queen St. Even though our arms ached by the end of the march, it was a powerful feeling to be one of many trans people in attendance working together to be loud and proud.
There was a police presence throughout the event, escorting the march and watching the speeches from a distance.
We moved through the CBD, and while several agitators were present, many onlookers held up peace signs and raised their fists with our chants. It was moving to see so many ordinary people pause to show their support.
Before the march, members of Socialist Alternative were asked to leave by Piper, a lead organiser of Magandjin People’s Pride. They were seen co-opting the event to recruit attendees and try to sell their magazine, Red Flag. Members remained until the beginning of the march, at which point they respected the organisers’ wishes, and departed.
Upon returning to the origin point of the march at King George Square, several speeches were shared by organisers and attendees on the topics of trans joy, solidarity, and liberation. Speeches commenced with Chris McGregor’s Welcome to Country. He shared the story of his family’s connection to country and their history which included a song, and he expressed solidarity with queer and trans resistance as movements connected with liberation for all.
Once the speeches had concluded, the rally broke off into a community get-together. Trans folk and our allies sat together to socialise and connect. After the heightened emotions of the rally and march, conversation turned to silly movies and video games. Community is the core of grassroots organisation: if you don’t have anyone to fight for, will you fight?
Written by Jester Roach & El Bancroft
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