Sparkle in Manchester

• Posted by Emma Gee July 15, 2013 Filed in Society Girl's Personal Blogs #  #TG Rights  #Sparkle  1,074 views
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  Elle and I have just returned from our first Sparkle, indeed our first organised TG event. I wanted to share a few thoughts about the weekend as it may help any girls who are considering going to similar events.
  
  The overriding feeling we got from the weekend was that it was the right combination of fun, frivolity, friendship and informed seriousness when appropriate. For example, it was wonderful to meet and listen to Victoria Cantons, who we had originally discovered through her ex-partner Emma's excellent book "If You Really Loved Me". There were any other talks and seminars that we could have attended if we had found time.
  
  In addition, the ceremony to formally open the Trans Memorial in Sackviille Gardens was incredibly powerful and moving; there was not a dry eye among everyone there! That was particularly where Elle and I felt truly connected to the Trans community, and it strengthened our resolve to work to help promote the rights and freedom of expression for the Trans population.
  
  What about the fun though? Lots of it- whatever you wanted to do across the Village in Manchester. The LGBT "Rock Hard" night was fab- even if Elle had to tell me to put away my air guitar!
  
  Sparkle in the Park in Saturday was a brilliant event too, full of the sights and sounds of people having a ball. I rediscovered the Labour Party, who I had fallen out with big time ( ooh, bit of politics). I didn't rejoin the party, but I did join LGBT Labour, which is affiliated. After all, who could resist the slogan "I've Never Kissed a Tory"?? Also, it happened to be my first formal bit of I.D. with my soon to be legal name!
  
  Also, a plug for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, who were there. We met Sophie's Mum, who had moved me so much when I first heard about her daughter's tragedy. Please check out their work against hate crime on Facebook.
  
  Also, a plug for the people of Manchester ( outside the Village). I had a weekend of respect, impeccable pronouns and being called "love" many times-ok, not PC, but quite contagiously flattering for a girl ( well, me anyway).
  
  I could go on ad nauseam about the weekend, but seriously, any girls who are in the throes of going full time like me, or just concerned about venturing out- DO IT. As we heard a number of times in different ways " walk like a Lioness, not a Puma" be proud and hold your head up.