Thousands mourn trans teen Brianna Ghey
Brianna Ghey is believed to have been stabbed to death by two other teenagers
Thousands of people have attended candlelight vigils across the UK in honour of murdered transgender teen Brianna Ghey.
The body of the 16-year-old was found stabbed to death on Saturday afternoon in a park in Culcheth, Cheshire.
Described as an outgoing, confident girl, Brianna has left behind a devastated family. “She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her,” said her family in a statement.
“Brianna was beautiful, witty and hilarious. Brianna was strong, fearless and one of a kind. The loss of her young life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that the teachers and her friends who were involved in her life will feel the same.”
Cardiff held a lovely vigil for Brianna Ghey & nearly £100k has been raised for her family! Only £200 away from 100k! Please consider donating: https://t.co/pzAm0BPreW 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/oy9VgGOrX9
— Aida H Dee The Storytime Drag Queen (@AidaHDeeDrag) February 16, 2023
Two 15-year-olds, who cannot be identified as they are minors, have been arrested in connection with the murder. They are expected to go on trial in July.
Her death has struck a chord among many members of the public. A fundraising page to help Brianna’s family pay for her funeral costs has raised £103,802, far more than the £4,216 goal.
On Wednesday evening, people in cities and towns including Belfast, Brighton, Dublin, Lancaster, London, and Manchester, gathered to mourn and remember Brianna and to speak out against a growing wave of transphobic vitriol in the UK.
The vigil for #BriannaGhey at the Spire in Dublin. pic.twitter.com/R0TypnUAop
— Ciaran McGrath (@cerandor) February 15, 2023
The Trans Safety Network (TSN) said that “whatever the specific circumstances leading to her death, we are currently living through a period of unprecedented moral repugnance towards trans people, promoted and enabled by the apathy and complicity of powerful public figures.”
The organisation also spoke out against media reports that have disrespectfully “deadnamed” the young girl (used her birth name).
“We have seen how even in her death, the press have chosen to compound this harm by publicly disrespecting Brianna’s identity.”
TSN added that “the death of Brianna Ghey is a failure by our society at the deepest level.”
So many people here for the vigil in Brighton for #BriannaGhey this evening. Overwhelmingly emotional and powerful. So many people from all backgrounds spoke of their devastion, anger, resiliance and defiance.
Thank you to the organisers. RIP Brianna 💕 pic.twitter.com/GpdfQZej39
— David (@DavidBTN2) February 15, 2023
🕯️ From Liverpool to Bristol, people have gathered at vigils across the UK to mourn the death of murdered trans teen Brianna Ghey.
🏳️⚧️ At last night’s vigil in London, hundreds of mourners protested, before holding a minute of silence and staging a “die-in”. pic.twitter.com/DCynYTGY6j
— Openly 🏳️🌈 (@Openly) February 16, 2023
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