David Tennant, Jessie Ware and Lola Young were among the British stars sharing their support from afar at last night’s trans benefit concert Trans Mission.

In addition to barnstorming performances at London’s OVO Arena Wembley from artists including Olly Alexander, Sugababes and Wolf Alice, and rousing speeches from Green Party leader Zack Polanski and author Juno Dawson, a number of high-profile stars joined the gig at from afar via pre-recorded video clips.

Actor, author and The Traitors star Stephen Fry reaffirmed his support for the trans community, urging allies to “show our love” to a community affected by a “rising tide” of discrimination.

“I believe that our trans friends, our trans siblings deserve our support and encouragement, endorsement and vindication now more than ever as the rising tide of transphobia threatens to engulf not just trans people but everybody who associates with them,” the 68-year-old Blackadder II actor said.

“It’s being used as a kind of lever to open up all kinds of horror. But meanwhile, all lots of trans people are suffering. We need to show our love.”

BRIT and Grammy award-winning musician Lola Young, 25, pledged her support “forever and always” towards the trans community in her video.

“​​I stand in absolute solidarity with the trans community forever and always. Trans rights are human rights,” she told the crowd, before addressing her trans loved ones specifically.

“To all my trans friends: you are loved, you are cared for. Everybody has a right to good health, to safety, to have a voice and for their voice to be heard. Keep being strong. Don’t let those motherf****** tell you nothing.”

Two of the Spice Girls, Mel C and Emma Bunton, apologised for not being able to attend the event in person, but said that they were proud to stand “in solidarity” with the community for afar.

“I’m so proud to stand in solidarity with the trans and non-binary community,” Bunton, 50, said in her clip. “Standing together shows real power and I’m honoured to be supporting you all, celebrating and uplifting the trans community.”

Doctor Who actor David Tennant, 54, who has long been a vocal advocate for the trans community, sent “lots of love” to those attending Trans Mission and apologised for not being in attendance. “I send lots of love from afar. Have an amazing time, celebrate and feel the love,” he said in a sweet video.

“Free Yourself” singer Jessie Ware, 41, also pledged to “listen” to the trans community. The musician, who has spoken about her adoration for the LGBTQ+ community on numerous occasion, implored that trans people deserve the “safety” to be themselves.

“Being an ally to the trans community is so important to me and I promise that I will always listen to you,” Ware said.

“I will always want to learn from you. I will always love you. Every single person deserves the freedom and safety to be themselves.”

Gossip singer Beth Ditto, who performed at the event, revealed in an interview backstage at the show that she recently abandoned American following Trump’s return to the White House.

“I’m American. I left with my partner a year ago to come here because it’s not as frightening… it’s easy to feel hopeless,” she said.

Speaking about events specifically for the trans community like Trans Mission, she added: “It’s just nice that this exists and it wasn’t here when I was a kid. It wasn’t here when my partner was a kid. Even 10 years ago, the organisation wasn’t the same, but just to see it grow, and grow and grow.”

Alongside Ditto, queer stars including Adam Lambert, Jacob Alon, Tom Rasmussen, and MNEK performed, alongside trans artists Gottmik, Jasmine.4.T, and Christine and the Queens.

Notable allies including Kate Nash, Rose Gray, Beverley Knight, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor also performed, while speakers included Sir Ian McKellan – who performed a moving Shakespeare monologue – Juno Birch, Munroe Bergdorf, Mawaan Rizman, Jordan Stephens, and Russell Tovey.

In one of the concert’s most moving moments Caroline Litman, the mother of trans woman Alice Litman, appeared on stage and urged the crowd to dance for those trans people who are no longer here.

Alice took her own life aged 20 in 2022 after waiting three years for her first gender-affirming healthcare appointment.

Thousands of people turned up at the 12,500-capacity OVO Arena for the benefit concert, which raised money for Not A Phase and the Good Law Project.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post David Tennant, Lola Young and Emma Bunton send powerful message to trans community appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.