A GROUP set to bring a Pride celebration to Burnham & Highbridge will mark Transgender Day of Remembrance with a candle-lit ceremony on Sunday. 

Pride-on-Sea will hold the ceremony next to the Frank Foley statue in Market Street, Highbridge, at 4pm on Sunday, November 20.

Transgender Day of Remembrance marks the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence and abuse.

Pride-on-Sea member Laura said: “When I was coming out I was supported by loads of trans people. So, I owe them all a debt I can't repay and a respect for all those beautiful people”.

Kate, another member of the group, said: “I have been lucky, the only transphobia I have experienced has been very low level. It is frightening what other trans people have to go through.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Those wishing to support our transgender friends by attending this event are welcome. They may wish to bring a candle or tea light.

“Additionally if anyone would like to help read the names of those being commemorated, we would ask them to let us know.

“Pride-on-Sea wishes to extend our deep felt thoughts and condolences to the loved ones of all those commemorated this year.”

For more information, email prideonsea@gmail.com.