Trans Mission, a trans rights concert, took place in London on Wednesday night, March 11. The event was organised by Olly Alexander and Mighty Hoopla, Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ festival, to promote trans rights and show support in this turbulent and trying time, as well as to raise much-needed funds for LGBTQ+ charities.
Incredible amounts of uplifting performances and appearances were packed into one concert, with performances from Beth Ditto, Bimini, Christine and the Queens, GottMikk, Kae Tempest, Kate Nash, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, to name but a few.
View this post on Instagram
Ian McKellen performed a Shakespeare monologue. Shone Raye and Juno Dawson spoke. Two-time Grammy winner Imogen Heap performed ‘Hide and Seek’ with Trans Voices, a choir full of trans vocalists. The event truly was an astounding feat to put together and pull off.
View this post on Instagram
A whole host of celebrities sent video messages to Trans Mission proudly sharing their support for the trans community, including Stephen Fry, Emma Bunton, Lola Young, and long-time trans advocate, David Tennant. Singer Jessie Ware’s video included the message: “Every single person deserves the freedom and safety to be themselves.”
Fry said: “I believe that our trans friends, our trans siblings, deserve our support and encouragement, endorsement and vindication now more than ever as the rising tide of transphobia threatens to engulf not just trans people but everybody who associates with them.”
Zack Polanski, Leader of the Green Party in the UK, apologised on behalf of all politicians and pledged, as a gay man, to stand together with trans people. Profits from the event are split between Not a Phase and Good Law Project. Dani St James, CEO of Not a Phase, gave a heartfelt and grateful speech on the night.
View this post on Instagram
Beth Ditto spoke backstage of how she left America last year, with her partner, to live in the UK, where she says “it’s not as frightening”. Other queer stars performing included Adam Lambert, Jacob Alon, Tom Rasmussen, MNEK, and Jasmine.4.T.
Olly Alexander, one of the event organisers, said community action is essential to support the trans community.
“We need real and lasting change,” he said. “Through solidarity, creativity and collective fundraising, we can fight back against the politics of fear and exclusion and build a world where everyone can thrive.
“I am very fortunate to know and work closely alongside incredible trans and non-binary people whose creativity and presence are essential to the cultural fabric we all share.”
View this post on Instagram
Trans Mission is still accepting donations to its selected charities on its website.
© 2026 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity - Charity Number: 20034580.
GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.
Supporting GCN for as little as €1.99 per month will help us continue our work as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.