Sparkle - the national transgender charity[1] based in the United Kingdom that is best known for organising the annual Sparkle Weekend in Manchester, which aims to celebrate the transgender community. The event claims to be the world's largest transgender event.[2]
 Sparkle logo | |
| Formation | 10 June 2005 |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Charity |
| Purpose | Transgender rights |
Region served | United Kingdom |
Chair of Trustees | Jay Crawford |
| Website | www.sparkle.org.uk |
History
editSparkle was formed in 2005 by Kimberly Nolan and was granted registered charity status in 2011 by board member Sophie Summers.[3]
Sparkle Weekend
editSparkle Weekend occurs in the second weekend every July, with the 18th weekend celebrated in 2023.,[4] where over 12,000 people attended[5] It is based around Manchester's Canal Street, with local bars and restaurants sponsoring and advertising the event, and various talks and workshops are run. On the Saturday and Sunday, Sackville Gardens hosts a stage and well-being, family and sober spaces along with a well attended marketplace showcasing the best in trans retail.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR)
editSparkle also hosts the Manchester Transgender Day of Remembrance every November on the Sunday nearest to the 20th to remember victims of transphobic crime as part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance.[6]
Other activities
editIn addition to organising the Sparkle Weekend, the charity aims to promote awareness and acceptance of the Transgender community.[7] In November 2022, Sparkle organised a candle-lit vigil to remember victims of transphobic crime as part of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Every year they continue this service to see the growth and change in support for the trans community and to remember those who were ‘known to us’.
Sparkle are also responsible for the National Transgender memorial project, commencing a replacement of the original monument following an incident of vandalism where it was found to be irreparable following fire damage. [6]
Trustees and Patrons
editSparkle has a governing body of trustees[8] who are led by Jay Crawford (Chair). Sparkle currently has two patrons Professor Stephen Whittle OBE and Actress Annie Wallace.
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "Sparkle, registered charity no. 1134725". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
- ^ "About us". Sparkle. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ "Charity overview". UK Charity Commission. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ Kelly, Ashlee (9 July 2013). "Manchester brings Sparkle to UK's largest trans event". Gay Star News. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
- ^ "The Sparkle Story". Sparkle. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ a b Thompson, Dan (24 November 2014). "Hundreds gather in Manchester to remember victims of transphobic hate crime". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ "Charity overview". UK Charity Commission. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ "Contact and trustees". Retrieved 6 September 2016.