Hundreds gathered in Liverpool's city centre tonight to mourn the loss of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey.
The trans community and its allies flooded the area outside St George’s Hall on Tuesday, February 14, in memory of schoolgirl, Brianna Ghey. Candles lit and posters in hand, crowds outside the Grade I building fell silent to remember the life of the year 11 Birchwood High School trans pupil who was found dead by members of the public in the Warrington Park.
Adorned in trans pride flags, attendees proudly held signs that read "you are loved", "protect trans youth" and "the future is queer" - all of which were complimented by the historical building lit up in trans colours - blue, pink and white. After 45 minutes, the congregation continued to grow as the silent event showed no signs of dwindling.
READ MORE: Police 'exploring' whether Brianna Ghey murder was hate crime as suspects questioned
Brianna Ghey was discovered on Saturday, February 11, with multiple stab wounds on a path in Culcheth's Linear Park. On the day of her murder, the teenager, who was described as a "larger-than-life" character, had spoken to her mum and a video was posted to her TikTok account only hours before she was killed.
As of now, a boy and a girl, both 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Brianna's death. Initially, police said there was no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate-related but have now claimed all lines of enquiry are being explored.
Members of the University of Liverpool’s Trans Rights Now group previously told the ECHO how “every day trans people are subjected to seeing the world become hateful by the day and its difficult to not fall into despair".
Member Chrys Watkin 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.”
In the days following her death, Brianna's family released a tribute to her and thanked her friends for their support. They 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.
"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."
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 4 pm 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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