Sparkle – The National Transgender Charity is a registered UK charity (charity no. 1134725), whose reach extends to people who identify as transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming, their partners, families, friends, and wider society which they are part of. Sparkle began in 2005, as the organisers of the annual Sparkle Weekend, the original celebration of gender diversity. Since then, the Sparkle Festival has grown exponentially, with 13,000 visitors visiting in 2023. Sparkle is run by a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers, 80% of which identify as trans, non-binary, or gender variant. Our mission: - To lead the way with trans inclusion. - To promote a positive public image, awareness, and acceptance of the trans community in the UK and beyond. - To build confidence and resilience, to develop understanding and cohesion in society, and to challenge the stigma associated with being trans. What do we do? - The Sparkle Festival: the original celebration of gender diversity. - Fighting inequality and discrimination towards the trans community, through events, campaigning, and advocacy. - Community engagement: providing much needed trans visibility and trans joy! Engaging with the trans, non-binary, and gender variant communities which we serve. - Organising and hosting the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) Vigil in Manchester. - Leading the National Trans Memorial Project, partnered with ARUP. - Socials: providing a safe and affirming space for the community to socialise, get peer support, and have a good time!