If you haven’t heard of the tragic and brutal murder of Brianna Ghey, where have you been?

On the 11th of February 2023, Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl, was found dead in Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington with multiple stab wounds. The following day, 12th February, a 15-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, both from the local area, were arrested on suspicion of Brianna’s murder, their identity hasn’t been open to the public.

The Warrington police department initially ruled out the murder as a hate crime. However, it is now being seen as a “hate-related” crime. This may be due to the fact she was being constantly bullied online for just being herself.

Artists, such as Yungbuld, Big Joanie, Reverend And The Makers have all paid tribute and spoken out about the struggles that the LGBTQIA+ community have to go through. Yungblud tweeted “Utterly heartbroken about the death of 16 year old Brianna Ghey. Protect trans kids every day and fight relentlessly against anti-trans sentiment & legislations being pushed by our heinous government. Rest in peace Brianna Ghey” Big Joanie and Reverend And The Makers also shared their anger over her murder.

The London Punks added “Disgusted doesn’t cover it. Solidarity to all communities having to live in fear for their own safety and lives simply existing right now. RIP Brianna. You deserved so much better.”

When I heard the news, I think I was in shock. I thought nothing bad could happen in the city I live in, but obviously, I was wrong. And suddenly, I began to feel that all the little arguments you have with anyone are pointless because there is so much more anger in the world and you shouldn’t take for granted the people around you. I also got really f***ing frustrated, towards all the anti-trans and homophobic and racist and anti-Semitic people because they are causing fear to people for being and expressing who they are. One of my friends, who is trans, is even more terrified to leave his house because of the daily threat to his life. And it’s not just him, it’s every single minority group that is in fear for their lives. I hope you agree with me when I say that this is absolutely harrowing and unacceptable and should never occur in society.

Now, I am not a Daily Mail supporter, but I occasionally read some of their articles to see what information part of society is receiving; and I was so infuriated at their coverage of her case. Instead of referencing her as a woman and calling her Brianna, they were using her old name and her old pronouns, which I think is so insensitive and shows the outrageous, purposeful slander that journalists get paid for. Similarly, their coverage also helps support the anti-trans community by encouraging them to treat trans people as lesser and may even motivate them to take physical or verbal action.

There have been more than 30 vigils held across Britain in memory of Brianna Ghey. On Friday 17th February at Culcheth Village Green A vigil took place where almost 1,000 people came with candles and flowers. It was very emotional to be surrounded by people who clearly feel that this is a serious and shocking crime that happened so close to home.

All I can say is, I hope the world gets better.