Thousands join vigils in memory of Brianna Ghey
- Text by Ben Smoke
- Photography by Theo McInnes
It’s been less than a week since the killing of Brianna Ghey. The 16-year-old trans girl died last Saturday after being stabbed in a park in her hometown of Warrington. Two 15-year-olds have been arrested and charged with her murder.
There are reports that Brianna was “bullied for years” because of her gender identity. However, Chesire constabulary initially released a statement describing the attack as “targeted”, with “no evidence” to suggest it was hate related. They later made a U-turn, with a spokesperson adding that: “All lines of inquiry are being explored, including whether this was a hate crime.” The days following the killing also saw some national media outlets and publications misgendering Brianna.
In a statement, the family said: “Brianna was a much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister. She was a larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her. Brianna was beautiful, witty and hilarious. Brianna was strong, fearless and one of a kind.”
They continued, “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.”
Labour MP for Warrington North Charlotte Nichols told Huck, “Following the murder of Brianna Ghey, which has absolutely rocked our very close-knit community, it’s been heartening to see vigils around the UK to remember the life of Brianna and showing solidarity with our community, and the trans community. All of us must keep Brianna’s loved ones and the justice they deserve at the front of our minds, while not forgetting the wider context this crime happened in and what we can all do to ensure we protect trans lives.”
Thanks to everyone who came. Brianna was an absolutely inspirational teenager, who will be missed by those who were blessed to know her. She was a hero. pic.twitter.com/PQmCY2koPs
— Transgender Action Block (@TransActionBloc) February 15, 2023
The stabbing comes in the context of a deepening hysteria around trans rights in the UK. Despite making up just 0.5 percent of the population, there has been a stark increase in articles about trans people, and the alleged risks they pose, in the last few years.
In reaction to Brianna’s death, vigils have been organised across the UK and Ireland. In Manchester on Wednesday up to 2,000 people gathered in the city’s Sackville Gardens. In London (pictured) thousands gathered outside the Department of Education at a vigil organised by Trans Action Block. Organisers and members of the public spoke of the deepening hysteria around trans rights in the UK, media complicity, and the desperate need for change. Chants of “Fuck Assimilation, Trans Liberation” and moments of silence were held in memory of a teenage girl whose life was cut senselessly short.
The statement from Brianna’s family can be read in full below:
“Brianna was a much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister. She was a larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her. 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. We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this extremely difficult time. We would like to thank the police for their support, and witnesses for helping with the investigation.
“The continuation of respect for privacy is greatly appreciated.”
A fundraiser for Brianna’s family has been created and has currently raised almost £100,000.
More vigils are organised in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland in the coming days.
Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
The last days of St Agnes Place, London’s longest ever running squat
Off the grid — Photographer Janine Wiedel spent four years documenting the people of the Kennington squat, who for decades made a forgotten row of terraced houses a home.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As salmon farming booms, Icelanders size up an existential threat
Seyðisfjörður — The industry has seen huge growth in recent years, with millions of fish being farmed in the Atlantic Ocean. But who benefits from its commercial success, and what does it mean for the ocean? Phil Young ventures to the remote country to find out.
Written by: Phil Young
Activists hack London billboards to call out big tech harm
Tax Big Tech: With UK youth mental health services under strain, guerrilla billboards across the capital accuse social media companies of profiting from a growing crisis.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: The boys of the Bibby Stockholm
Bibby Boys — A new exhibition by Theo McInnes and Thomas Ralph documents the men who lived on the three-story barge in Dorset, giving them the chance to control their own narrative.
Written by: Thomas Ralph
‘We’re going to stop you’: House Against Hate tap Ben UFO, Greentea Peng and Shygirl for anti-far right protest
R3 Soundsystem — It takes place on March 28 in London’s Trafalgar Square, with a huge line-up of DJs, artists and crews named on the line-up.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: Lebanon’s women against a backdrop of war
Where Do I Go? لوين روح — As war breaks out in the Middle East once again, we spotlight Rania Matar’s powerful new photobook, which empowers women of her home country through portraiture.
Written by: Miss Rosen
