The Southampton community came out in strong numbers in a trans rights protest following a landmark court ruling.

Gathering at 10.45am on Saturday at Town Quay Park, hundreds marched at 11am past the Bargate and up Above Bar Street to eventually finish at Watts Park.

The protest by trans people and allies was a direct response to the recent Supreme Court decision on the Equality Act. 

In a landmark judgment by the judges said, trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act. 

Organised by Trans Pride Southampton, crowds chanted the likes of "we are trans and we will win, all your hate goes in the bin".

READ MORE: Trans community to march in Southampton after court ruling

Those in attendance said that the march was cheered by locals in Southampton city centre watching on.

The protest marched past the Bargate.The protest marched past the Bargate. (Image: Luke Houghton) Mabel Wellman, director and co-founder of Trans Pride Southampton, said that yesterday's march was to "assert that trans women are women".

Mabel said: "Southampton had always been an accepting city for people from all backgrounds, races, abilities and genders, and today has been no exception.

"We are extremely proud of the support our protest has had from the local community and allies from outside of the city as well.

"A number of unions and organisations have also marched with us, which was especially reassuring to know that trans employees, students, and clients will continue to be supported in their ranks.

"Reports of up to 1,000 people could have joined in our march through the city centre, and in Watts Park for speeches afterwards.

Flags and signs were carried during the march.Flags and signs were carried during the march. (Image: Luke Houghton) "Our march was to assert that trans women are women, and that whilst a small community, we are powerful, and will not let our rights be swept away."

READ MORE: Southampton groups hit out at court ruling on biological sex

Mabel also said that the community will "continue to fight" until the rights of trans people are "guaranteed and protected in the UK".

The group issued a call to all venues, businesses and service providers to "allow trans people to use facilities such as restrooms congruent to the gender they identify as".

Trans Pride Southampton confirmed that the protest was a reaffirmation of the identities of trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals.