A trans pride rally for gender equality was held in Writer’s Square, Belfast on Saturday.

The event was held before the march for marriage which saw thousands take to the street to demand marriage equality in Northern Ireland.

Event organisers said on Facebook that this is the first event of its kind on the island of Ireland and they are independent of any Pride groups.

Last minute improvised #lgbt #equality outfit for @transprideni and #March4MarriageEquality. Ta for the photo @brendanjharkin pic.twitter.com/vBQllsgtYt

— Jude (@jucopel) June 3, 2018

Trans Pride NI wrote on Facebook: “Yesterday people from all backgrounds, of different ages, genders, religions, cultures, political views & identities all came together as one.

“Equality is equality is equality, no exceptions!”

According to attendees, hundreds were in attendance and organisers have already begun organising next year’s event to make it “twice the size”.

They also have plans to have a presence at upcoming Pride events across Ireland.

USI were delighted to be able to attend Ireland’s first ever Trans Pride! Jeff Dudgeon (UUP) spoke about the fight to decriminalise homosexuality in 1982, and Boxing Promoter Kelly Maloney spoke about her own transition #TransPrideNI #Rally4GenderEquality #March4MarriageEquality pic.twitter.com/MrA9w3024v

— Bryan O'Mahony – USI Academic Affairs (@USI_Education) June 3, 2018

There were many speakers at the event and representatives from many organisations including Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, Green Party, Alliance Party, and the PSNI attended Saturday’s rally.

Many groups from across Ireland also made their way to Writer’s Square to take part in the rally.

They also thanked Irish feminists “who continue to have our back & every person who respects & supports us”.

A number of speakers spoke about their experience and their hopes for the future.

#Belfast’s first #TransPride 💕💙event – “celebrating the spectrum of identity”. A number of speakers today including @mfearonsf @GerryCarrollPBP @kelliefmaloney pic.twitter.com/g0CPDHJv82

— Amanda Ferguson (@AmandaFBelfast) June 2, 2018

.@kelliefmaloney tells Ireland’s first #transpride she was hounded out by British press but today stands in #Belfast as a proud, confident woman. Life is too short to live in the shadows. We are human beings. All we ask is to be respected. pic.twitter.com/4sKRXqoRMW

— Amanda Ferguson (@AmandaFBelfast) June 2, 2018

Also on Saturday in Belfast and Derry, thousands marched for marriage equality in Northern Ireland.

Love Equality NI has since announced that the figure in attendance was 20,000.

20,000 march for marriage equality in Belfast #March4MarriageEquality pic.twitter.com/wK1X9bi7Bw

— Love Equality NI (@Love_EqualityNI) June 2, 2018

Patrick Corrigan of the Love Equality campaign, said: “human rights should not rely on postcodes.”

“It’s nonsensical that the government is denying the people of Northern Ireland the same rights as everyone else in the UK,” he said.

“There can be no second-class citizens in the UK. It is now up to [Prime Minister] Theresa May and the UK government to deliver on the promise of equality.”

The demands for change were loud and clear at the @Love_EqualityNI Marriage Equality rally yesterday as thousands called for change. Next Stop: Belfast Pride! Friday 27th July to Sunday 5th with Pride Day on Saturday the 4th. #bproud2018 pic.twitter.com/FuMiApWc0d

— Belfast Pride (@belfastpride) June 3, 2018

Hello Belfast!
Are you ready for Love?
Are you ready for Equality?

Thank you to every single person who came in their thousands & thousands to our rallies yesterday.

Marriage equality is coming to Northern Ireland – because of you! pic.twitter.com/FU1KaOa25C

— Love Equality NI (@Love_EqualityNI) June 3, 2018

pic.twitter.com/4UpYWdVcQ0

— Brendan Harkin 💀 (@brendanjharkin) June 3, 2018