In 2025, we hosted the first TDOV Community Campfire, in conversation with trans people in Birmingham. We know that ‘visibility’ is not necessarily positive, so we created an event that placed value on intra-community visibility. This year, we have asked what type of visibility, if any at all, we as trans people would want with the outside world. At this event, we will be drawing up our hopes/dreams we have for ourselves/the world and considering the start of a Birmingham Trans Manifesto- we hope to share this as it develops over the year.
Set within the beautiful Martineau Gardens, Community Campfire will be a natural outdoor setting of trans friendship, solidarity, and fun! An oasis for wildlife, tranquillity and the outside! There are two and a half acres of organically managed space for people to relax and explore in, it will be for our exclusive use.
Expect: food, solidarity, and dreaming and scheming.
We know all too often there’s a negative and critical framing of trans people in the media (mainstream and social), and this can have sharp material impact on the lives and health of trans people in the UK. TDOV can be fraught out there, this event will be a relaxed and informal get-together of fellow trans people and celebration of our collective existence!
Tldr; Trans love and liberation now!
Allies, we love you but this event is specifically for trans people. We ask that you take a look at other events we run throughout the year and show your solidarity in other ways.
Access Information:
It is outdoors, the nature trails are accessible to wheelchairs, but the weather may impact how much of the garden is fully accessible.
Gender neutral toilets and single stalls.
Accessible toilet is 1.5m x1.5m but the doorway is 68cm wide
Personal assistant/carers must also reserve a ticket. (Cisgender carers/support workers who support trans/non-binary individuals are welcome to attend if needed.)
There is a carpark- if you can get there by public transport we do encourage that.
All food will be vegetarian and vegan.
This is a sober event.
We do not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism. If you witness any please go directly to a member of staff.
Getting to the venue:
Located opposite the Priory Hospital, and 5 minutes from the Midlands Arts Centre (the MAC) and Warwickshire County Cricket Ground.
By bus: Martineau Gardens is well served by buses. The nearest bus routes are Priory Road: 1; Bristol Road: 61, 63, 1A ; Pershore Road: 45, 47. To plan your journey by public transport, visitwww.traveline.info and use Martineau Gardens’ postcode, B5 7UG.
By bicycle: Cyclists welcomed. Martineau Gardens is well connected to bike routes, and just two minutes ride from the A38 Blue Cycle Route (Bristol Road). There is a covered bike hut available – on entry to the Gardens car park, dismount and push your bike down to the hut located opposite our Reception building.
By train: The nearest train stations are Five Ways Station (then a 15 minute walk or bus journey) or New Street Station, with a 15 minute bus journey to the Gardens.
By road: On the B4217 (Priory Road), 2 miles from Birmingham City Centre. Sat Nav B5 7UG. There is a small carpark.
Due to the A38 Blue Cycle Route (Bristol Road) opened in 2019, there have been some changes to motor vehicle access to Martineau Gardens, from the Bristol Road (A38), all other routes and bus services are unaffected. A38 From city: cars turn right at Wellington Road and follow signs to Priory Hospital; A38 From Selly Oak: cars turn right at Pebble Mill Road, Left at Pershore and left at the Pershore /Priory Junction and follow signs to Priory Hospital.