You may remember I decided to organise and host an Trans Pride event , open publicly to my local trans community and their allies. It followed the devastating backlash from the supreme court ruling in April/May 2025.
I personally, had a number of friends and acquaintances who were experiencing terrible trauma, both for themselves and their relationships. It was the catalyst to a relationship breakup,; it resulted in mental health issues , which required medical intervention,. It resulted in contemplation of suicide. It made people withdraw both socially and virtually. People I knew were closing their social media accounts (particularly FB and X) and declining most social engagements. Many experienced anxiety attending public events.
Allyship
As a cis white, middle aged, middle class female, I can only begin to imagine what some of the people I know have to endure on a daily basis just to exist, never mind exist freely and openly.
That is not OK.
I can’t believe I even have to say that out loud , like it’s a debateable state with two sides.
It isn’t.
ALL people, irrespective of their age, race, colour, language, sex, sexual orientation, class etc etc etc, should feel safe and accepted in public and in private as long as they are not harming others… ( and by harm, I don’t mean the sensibilities of weak minded busy bodies who stick their noses into other peoples lives and businesses).
Planning an intimate Trans Pride event.
I knew it would be tough to get friends and acquaintances, never mind members of our marginalised communities who hadn’t met me, to feel safe and trusting enough to venture our and sit in my garden for an afternoon of music, relaxation, creativity and acceptance. So I set about trying to ensure and reassure the community.
This involved a lot of video content and talking. Demonstrating I had thought of everything. Risk assessment, to ensure access and safety, badges for pronouns , names and whether people liked hugs or their own space. Flags, signs, quiet spaces, gender neutral loos, personal welcomes, personal messages, availability to discuss concerns… and lots of talking to friends in the community to ensure the content of the afternoon and the message was appropriate, welcoming and as expected.
Scuppered
I had set a head county maximum to 40. the event needed to be manageable, feel safe an fit into our home garden. I was expecting c25 from messages and tickets. Sadly we were scuppered by the Highways agency. The A483 was signposted as closed all day until 5pm, so I had to arn off those heading to us from Llandovery and Carmarthen, as there is no easy shortcut. And for some reason, there was a sign before Beula, stating access only, road ahead closed heading in our direction, so some people approaching from Builth Wells gave up and turned round.
There were about 20 of us in the end, small and intimate.
The Perfect Day
The weather was perfect. Those who knew the area made it.
Everyone was happy and relaxed. kids and adults.
I’d designed a table top for anyone who wanted to take part to help mosaic.
Cheryl and Andy of Angelis Holistic, had contacted me to see if I’d like them to bring their gong. They arrived with their full set up for sound bathing, crystal singing bowls, a crystal harp, pipes, rain sticks, tuning forks, ethereal drum, gongs, and koshi chimes. Then proceeded to offer a full hour sound bathing experience to those who wanted it. Becki, of Becki Moore Coaching, offered holistic prayer as we came out of our immersive experience.
I wrote a service of gratitude, love and acceptance.
There were opportunities to symbolically burn dead names and celebrate rebirth.
Live music was supplied by Mary & Rob, Wolf Magdala
Everyone brought their own picnic and hubby, John, managed a S’mores station
With thanks to all who attended ad helped as well as Ann Seymour Photography for coming along as a friend but still snapping some pics even though she was feeling really unwell. And thanks to Rhys and Gabrielle of Fforest Films who followed me for the weekend – I cannot wait to se the content you create
