A giant community-made quilt celebrating trans lives across the UK will be marched through central London later this month as part of London Trans+ Pride.
The Trans Unity Quilt Project, launched by campaign group Good Law Project, has brought together hundreds of trans people, family members and allies to create what organisers describe as a nearly 300-metre-long artwork celebrating the trans community.
Inspired by the tradition of textile protest art, the project saw more than 300 individual patches distributed across the UK before being painted, sewn and appliquéd by contributors. The finished quilt features memorials, family collaborations, personal stories and references to shared experiences within the trans community.
The artwork will make its public debut on 25 July when it is carried through the capital during London Trans+ Pride. Organisers are recruiting more than 200 volunteers to help carry the quilt from Portland Place to Trafalgar Square.
Good Law Project said the quilt will be displayed in large panels, forming a bespoke trans flag stretching longer than an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The campaign group said the project was designed to bring “joy and hope” to trans people at a time when many feel under pressure amid ongoing debates around trans rights.
CN Lester, co-creative lead of the project, said creating the quilt had highlighted the strength and diversity of the trans community.
“Creating the Trans Unity Quilt has been a powerful lesson in the breadth, diversity, and strength of the UK trans community - and all of our friends and loved ones,” they said.
“No two patches are the same, but sewn together they form a united message: that even under the weight of oppression we stand together in love, courage, and truth.”
Fellow co-creative lead Mars Callick said the project drew on a long history of textile art being used by protest and resistance movements. “We’re joining this collective creative tradition, stitching together our experiences as a beautiful, diverse and resilient community, regardless of transphobia or hate,” they said.
“We have always existed, and we always will.”
According to Good Law Project, the quilt was created through workshops, social groups and community events, as well as contributions made in people’s homes across the country.
After its appearance at London Trans+ Pride, the quilt will be housed at the Bishopsgate Archives. Organisers also plan to display sections of the artwork at Pride events around the UK and include it in larger exhibitions over the coming year.
Cat MacLean, a policy adviser at Good Law Project, said the project offered trans people an opportunity to tell stories often overlooked in public discussions. “We’ve been fighting hard to protect trans people’s basic rights, and wanted to give the community an opportunity to share the parts of their lives that never get portrayed by the press,” she said.
“The final product is an overwhelming vision of hope and love, displaying joy and resistance despite this intensely difficult time.”
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