On Saturday 19 July 2025, Newcastle’s city centre came alive with colour, courage, and community as around 16,000 people took part in the Northern Pride March. This year’s event was dedicated to the Trans+ community, placing trans rights at the heart of one of the UK’s most impactful Pride celebrations.
The march was a powerful act of solidarity with our trans and non-binary Geordies. Marchers carried signs reading “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” and “Protect the Dolls”, a phrase rooted in queer ballroom culture and now a global rallying cry for trans people. The phrase, once a term of endearment within queer communities, has become a symbol of collective care and resistance in the face of rising hostility toward trans lives.
The march began at Civic Centre, winding through Newcastle’s iconic streets and past Grey’s Monument, before culminating in a weekend of performances and community events at Times Square’s Pride Arena. Despite the rain, the energy was electric. Umbrellas became part of the rainbow and the city pulsed with chanting, movement, and meaning.
Participants included families, faith groups, trade unions, and local businesses. The atmosphere was one of unity and defiance, joy and justice. It felt like the whole city showed up not just to celebrate but to stand up with our trans friends in solidarity, protecting their human rights.
Throughout the weekend, workshops, speeches, and community stalls focused on trans-led initiatives, legal advocacy, and mental health support. The message was clear: trans liberation is central to LGBTQIA+ equality. The presence of trans voices at the forefront of the march and across the Pride programme was not only empowering but essential.
In a time of increasing hostility toward LGBTQIA+ communities particularly trans people this year’s march was a reminder that Pride is protest. You can’t rain on our parade,” read one banner and indeed, nothing could dampen the spirit of a city united in pride.
As Newcastle continues to grow as a beacon of inclusion, the 2025 march will be remembered not just for its colour and music, but for its courage. The message echoed through the streets and into the hearts of thousands:
Be proud. Be united. And always protect the dolls.
