The summer of pride and visibility is in full swing! On Saturday, 27th June 2026, the African Rainbow Family team and volunteers headed to the heart of Manchester to take part in Sparkle Weekend. As the world’s largest free celebration of gender diversity, it is a vital safe space, and ARF was incredibly proud to stand in unwavering solidarity with our trans and non-binary siblings.
Connection and Visibility at Sackville Gardens
Our presence was felt heavily throughout the day. Located in the historic Sackville Gardens within Manchester’s iconic Gay Village, our official community stall became a bustling hub of joy, profound conversation, and deep connection.
From 12:00 pm onwards, our dedicated volunteers spent the day welcoming visitors, answering questions, and sharing the crucial work we do advocating for the human rights of LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum.
The Power of Intersectional Solidarity
For ARF, Sparkle Weekend is about intersectional support. Many of our siblings navigate the complex intersections of race, gender identity, and the asylum system. Being present in Sackville Gardens allowed us to offer a beacon of support to those who need it most, while educating the wider public on the specific challenges faced by trans and non-binary individuals of African heritage and the global majority.
The day was filled with beautiful moments, from meeting long-time allies to building exciting new partnerships for a fairer, safer world.
Thank You!
An event like this is only possible because of our incredible community. We extend a massive, heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers for their dedication in running the stall, to the Sparkle organizers for curating such an essential space, and to everyone who stopped by to chat, learn, and show support.
Our summer of advocacy and community care rolls onward—stay tuned to see where ARF is heading next! Together, we stand, we protect one another, and we rise.
