The gay community have their Pride and we are lucky enough to be included in their celebrations – but now it is our turn to celebrate Transgender in all its wonderful forms.
The UK’s first National Transgender Celebration takes place in Canal Street, Manchester on Saturday 25th June 2005 – All day and all FREE!
The social side of the event begins at 12.00 am when we meet in Via Fossa for lunch, chat, meeting friends and a fun ‘Miss English Rose’ competition organised by Rose’s Repartee magazine. For those who are perhaps a little nervous about venturing out ‘dressed’ this is the ideal chance for a relaxed first time. Or simply come along in ‘guy mode’ and introduce yourself to us, you will be made to feel welcome and introduced to some of the other girls.
We are planning a ‘walkabout’ in the afternoon to show Manchester that this is our day to celebrate Transgender, not hide away in the shadows! There will also be time taken out to visit the LGBT memorial on Canal Street to pay our respects to those lost loved ones from within our community.
During the early evening there will be various meals arranged and that will be followed by live TG bands in the Thomson’s Arms, a special cabaret night in Napoleon’s and club nights in Prague V, Taurus, AXM bar and Via Fossa.
But Sparkle is not just about having a party. During the day various lectures and seminars will be taking place covering various aspects of transgender. If you are interested visit the Sparkle Web Site for details and to book tickets (free) to attend.
We are also holding a TG art exhibition, designed to show the wealth of artistic talent from within our own community. Everything for sculpture to video and cartoons will be on show. If you are a TG artist yourself and feel you have something to contribute then please e-mail the exhibition organiser, Laura: laurahandbag@hotmail.com
So 25th June 2005 is a date to remember, it’s our chance to be proud of our Transgender, our chance to be ourselves and to Sparkle for a day! All you really have to do now is book your hotel! (See the sparkle web site for accommodation suggestions).
Bella Jay (Sparkle Press/PR)
e-mail: bella@repartee.tv
http://www.sparkle.org.uk