Region-based trans activists have spoken out after Brianna Ghey was “robbed of her future” after being killed in a Warrington Park.
Members of the University of Liverpool’s Trans Rights Now group have expressed their sadness and anger after the 16-year-old schoolgirl was found dead by members of the public on a path in Culcheth's Linear Park. The Birchwood High School pupil was found on Saturday, February 11, with multiple stab wounds.
The teenager, who was described as a "larger-than-life" character, had spoken to her mum earlier that day and a video was posted to her TikTok account only hours before she was killed. A vigil is taking place tonight, Tuesday, February 14, at St George's hall where the city is encouraged to come together to remember the life of Brianna.
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Chrys Watkin, from the University of Liverpool’s Trans Rights Now, told the ECHO: “Every day trans people are subjected to seeing the world become more hateful by the day and it's difficult to not fall into despair."
Chrys added: “I hope there can be space for trans people's sadness and grief to be expressed at this time. It's hard to day-in-day-out 'keep your head high' and to 'keep fighting'. It is terrifying to think that if there is not more support, more trans people could be lost in light of this tragedy.
Another member, Luis Rowley, added: “Trans people spend every day living in danger, we ask for nothing more than to be able to live our lives in peace. Brianna Ghey's life will not be forgotten. She will live on in the hearts and minds of her trans siblings and everyone whose lives she touched.”
A boy and a girl, both 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Brianna's death. Police have said that at this stage there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate-related.
Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, is encouraging anyone impacted by the schoolgirl’s murder to reach out to them for help and support. CEO Anthony Hopkinson told the ECHO: “Our hearts are broken by the tragic news of the murder of Brianna Ghey. Our thoughts are very much with Brianna’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Brianna has been robbed of her future and we will now never see her achieve her full potential as a vibrant and dynamic member of our community. She has been prevented from seeing a future where all trans, non-binary, gender diverse and gender-questioning people can live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives."
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans, of Cheshire Police, said Brianna was killed in a "targeted attacked" and there was "no wider risk to the public". The force is keen to speak to anyone who was in the park from around 1.30 pm until 4pm on Saturday or anyone who may have seen Brianna in the hours leading up to her death
Information can be shared with the investigation team online here or by calling 101, quoting reference IML 1476832. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
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