TikTok star Max Balegde has announced a fundraising event in support of the trans community to take place at the Clapham Grand next month.
Moved into action after comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at this month’s Conservative Party Conference, Max took to social media to share his hurt at transphobia affecting the LGBTQ+ community and a desire to use his platform of 3.5 million followers for change.
The star had initially planned to organise a march through the streets of London but, listening to backlash from some online, has now announced the fundraiser at the iconic Clapham venue to take place on November 8.
A full line-up for the event is yet to be announced but has been teased to be coming very soon, as tickets go on sale at 6 pm on Friday, October 20.
Max said: “Over the last few weeks I have been working tirelessly with an amazing group of people to put something together, in support of the trans community. I think I have found the perfect solution and I am so excited about it. We are doing a variety show, fundraising event.
“We are working on an amazing line-up. I wanted to let you guys [on TikTok] know first as you have been with me on this journey. Since I came up with the idea I have felt so much passion on the back of what was going on in the country. I have put that into action.
“I am so ready for this and there are so many faces that you will know there. We are working tirelessly on the line-up… all proceeds are going to charity. We have also partnered with trans-led charity Not A Phase.
“I have been so overwhelmed by this but so glad that you have all been with me on this journey. I am so excited and hope you are too.”
All proceeds raised on the night will go to trans-led grassroots charity Not A Phase. The charity was founded in 2020 and focuses ‘solely on the support of trans+ and gender diverse adults’.