Over 400 people in Brighton & Hove came together in solidarity on Wednesday, February 15 at a vigil for 16-year-old trans girl Brianna Ghey, who was found stabbed to death in a Cheshire park. The Brighton & Hove vigil was organised by @DykeCollectiveBrighton, saying “Rest In Peace Brianna Ghey. We will unite as a community and mourn the loss of Brianna.”
The Brighton & Hove Vigil for Brianna is one of many vigils to take place across the country – from Glasgow to Guildford, Cardiff to Dublin and the large crowd listened to trans and non-binary activists, LGB allies and queer performers share their anger, pain and fear of the impacts of the rising transphobic narratives increasingly spread by right wing groups, fake LGB organisations, the mainstream media, politicians and others fuelling a culture war which is demonising trans people, migrants and LGBTQ+ communities.
Clear lines were drawn between the spreading of transphobic narratives, extremist anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda and the increasingly hostile and violent behaviour of right wing groups.
David, who took a photograph at the vigil, said on Twitter: “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.”
More than £92,000 has been donated to a fundraising page established in memory of Brianna, who is described as someone who ‘brought a lot of laughter’ and was looking forward to progressing with school.
The funds will be used to cover funeral expenses and support her family who say the death of ‘strong, fearless and kind’ Brianna has ‘left a massive hole’ in their hearts.
Cheshire Police confirmed on Wednesday, February 15 that two people – a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl – have been charged with murder.
