HUNDREDS of trade union members gathered in Cardiff today to express solidarity and celebrate the international transgender day of visibility.

TUC Cymru president Sian Gale thanked Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union Cymru for organising the rally outside the UK government building in Cardiff.

“I have been inspired by the speeches, and we must remember that trans rights are human rights,” Ms Gale said.

PCS activist Chloe said that the LGBT community has faced many attacks, including Margaret Thatcher’s ban on local authorities promoting homosexuality or teaching its acceptability.

“We defeated that legislation, and we have to keep moving forward despite some of the setbacks we have experienced,” she said.

Trans Aid Cymru’s Eve said trans visibility is being eroded despite “our existence for thousands of years.”

“Being visible is about having families, enjoying holidays and being out in our communities like we are today in Cardiff,” Eve said.

Former Welsh government minister and out lesbian Hannah Blythyn told the Star she was at the rally to show solidarity.

“I will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s never been more important to support Trans Day of Visibility,” Ms Blythyn said.

Unite Cymru equality officer Jo Galazka also told the Star her union supported the rally and “would always show solidarity and support trans rights.”

“Our union is for our LGBTQ+ members in all our work, no ifs, no buts,” Ms Galazka said.

Christina, whose child identifies as trans, criticised the government’s ban on puberty blockers for under-18s after the Cass Review said the evidence for their use and understanding of their long-term effects was weak.

“Under the Gillick court ruling, my son can consent to being given contraceptives, but the state will not allow him to decide himself to have puberty blockers.”