Passing the Light
New National Transgender Monument
Sparkle, New Practice and Arup have submitted a planning application for a new National Transgender Monument in Sackville Gardens, Manchester opposite the city's world-famous Canal Street and LGBTQIA+ businesses. Originally conceived for an open callout to trans and gender diverse designers, artists, and architects run by Sparkle and Arup and won by New Practice in Spring 2023, the monument replaces the original National Trans Memorial. As the first and only memorial of its kind in the UK, it aims to commemorate and celebrate the lives of trans peoples by ‘passing on light’ to foreground the elation and joy in being trans.
Sparkle has launched a fundraising campaign to cover costs related to the fabrication and installation of the new monument when planning permission is achieved, as well as the development of further events and activities to engage communities outside of Greater Manchester further conserving the legacy of the original National Trans Memorial.
Sackville Gardens contributes to its local context by providing a green respite amidst the urban landscape of Manchester. Surrounded by a mix of historical and modern architecture, the gardens play a significant role in Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ history. The gardens already house three memorials including one in memory of the celebrated mathematician Alan Turing, and the Beacon of Hope and the Tree of Life sculptures installed in remembrance of those lost to HIV, as well as solidarity with people living with the virus today.
Replacing the existing National Transgender Monument that was damaged by fire in 2022, the new major public artwork consolidates three key themes of the trans experience through its design. Arup supported Sparkle on the National Transgender Monument re-design, creating a bespoke, person- centered and experience-led consultation process to capture the needs and wishes of trans communities. The convivial nature of the monument aims to provide a comfortable, human atmosphere which invites reflection, both on trans lives themselves and on the potential metaphors of the monument itself. This occurs within the reflecting light from elements of polished metal, which subtly mirror the subject, the gardens, the city and the sky.
Sentiments of resilience in the trans community are embodied by its construction and the shift in language from “memorial” to “monument”. Each figure is grounded with a stone base. From these rise a corten steel post. Both of these materials are robust and designed to weather practically and beautifully, representing resilience through strength and self-resolve.
Finally a notion of resistance is represented by the figures' unique nature and relationship with each other - they each stand strong and tall of their own accord, but together take on a collective strength of public presence. The power of collective activism is publicly conveyed in these features and its prominent location in the gardens itself
“It was important to the Charity that the views and lived experience of the communities we serve helped shape the project to replace the previous memorial, so it’s fantastic that a trans person and their allies submitted a visionary design which fulfilled the original brief in such a captivating and uplifting way. We’d like to thank everyone at Arup, the LGBT Consortium, AECOM, Mott MacDonald, and, of course, Bek and Samuel at New Practice, for getting the project to this exciting stage.
As well as welcoming donations from community members and allies, we’re also exploring public funding streams and talking to private sector benefactors to ensure that we’re able to deliver the new National Trans Monument within such an ambitious timeframe.”
— Jay Crawford (he/they), Chair of Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity
“The Transgender Monument is a project that I hold very dear to my heart and have personal interest in getting delivered. When I thought about how I wanted to respond to the project brief, I began by reflecting on my own journey to embracing my transness and becoming authentically who I am today. The notion of “Passing on Light” that is conveyed in the Monument concept is a message to the trans community that if you can live authentically as yourself, you will in turn encourage others to do the same. Being transgender is beautiful and every day I am thankful for reaching acceptance of my identity which was achieved through the support of my community and the love they have given me.”
— Bek Ziola (they/he), Lead Architect, New Practice
“Arup is proud to be part of this historic project that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the transgender community. As a firm that values inclusion and social impact, we are committed to creating spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of all people. This monument is not only a tribute to the past, but also a vision for an inclusive and accepting future, where everyone can live with dignity and respect.”
— Tony Lovell (he/him), Chief Operating Officer, UK, India, Middle East and Africa, Arup
Client: Sparkle
Collaborators and Project Supporters: AECOM, Arts Council England, Arup, LGBT Consortium, Manchester City Council, Mott MacDonald, Neve Agency
Location: Manchester, UK