Historic National Trans Monument in Manchester to celebrate resilience of trans people
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An extensive planning application has been submitted for a National Trans Monument in Manchester’s gay village, replacing the damaged National Trans Memorial sculpture in Sackville Gardens. The proposal, put forward by Sparkle, a national transgender charity, in collaboration with New Practice, an LGBTQ+ and women-led architectural practice, and the global professional services firm Arup, was presented to Manchester City Council on April 9th.
The two-year design and consultation process involved diverse trans and gender-non-conforming communities in Greater Manchester and across the UK. Architects, designers, and artists from these communities were invited to contribute to the project. Jay Crawford, chairperson of Sparkle’s board of trustees, emphasized the importance of incorporating the views and lived experiences of the communities they serve in shaping the project. He expressed his excitement over a design submitted by a trans person and their allies that fulfilled the original brief in a captivating and uplifting manner.
In order to fund the monument, Sparkle is seeking public donations and engaging with private-sector benefactors to ensure the project’s timely completion. Tony Lovell, Arup’s chief operating officer for the UK, India, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the firm’s commitment to creating spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of all people. He stated that the monument celebrates the diversity and resilience of the transgender community while envisioning an inclusive and accepting future.
The proposed National Trans Monument, titled “Passing on Light,” was conceived by Bek Ziola, a senior designer and architect at New Practice. The design aims to provide a space for contemplation and reflection while symbolizing the resilience and vitality of trans and gender-diverse individuals. Ziola drew inspiration from their personal journey as a trans individual living authentically, especially amidst the current political climate in the UK.
Ziola emphasized the importance of redefining the monument as a celebration of beauty and strength rather than a somber memorial. The design intends to shift negative narratives surrounding transgender individuals by promoting empowerment and visibility. Reflecting on their experiences with anti-trans rhetoric in media coverage, Ziola underscored the transformative impact of redefining transgender representation through the monument.
The National Trans Monument is designed to age gracefully and represent resilience through its materials and structure. Polished metal elements will reflect light, creating a dynamic interplay with the surroundings. Each figure in the monument will be anchored by a stone base and steel posts designed to withstand the test of time.
Marc Cairns, managing director at New Practice, highlighted the project’s social value in directly engaging with underrepresented communities. Ziola echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the monument will affirm the beauty within trans and non-binary identities. By encouraging freedom of expression and celebrating diverse identities, the monument aims to strengthen communities and promote positive societal change.
The proposed National Trans Monument in Manchester’s gay village signifies a historic milestone in celebrating the resilience and diversity of trans individuals. Through thoughtful design and community engagement, the monument seeks to inspire inclusivity and empowerment for all genders.
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National Trans Monument
