Brianna Ghey murder 'painful reminder' of struggle trans community faces in UK
The tragic murder of schoolgirl Brianna Ghey is a "painful reminder" of the struggle and challenges the trans community faces in the UK today, a leading Pride group has told the Mirror.
The 16-year-old was led to Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington, Cheshire on February 11 of this year, and stabbed 28 times in broad daylight by a boy and a girl. Known as Girl X and Boy Y throughout proceedings, they were found guilty will be publicly named at their sentencing in February next year.
They were both aged 15 at the time of the murder, and Girl X had been a friend of Brianna’s before killing her. Messages shared between the two, read out extensively in court, showed a dark side as they discussed murdering four others alongside Brianna, and discussed torture, serial killers and more.
Amongst them, Boy Y was repeatedly and openly transphobic towards Brianna. During the trial messages were read out from Boy Y in which he referred to Brianna as “it” and asked Girl X: “Is it a femboy or a tranny?” In another he wrote: “I want to see if it will scream like a man or a girl”. Yesterday, during a hearing which determined reporting restrictions on the pair can be lifted when they are sentenced in February, Justice Yip said: "The murder of Brianna was a shocking event. Brianna was only 16 years’ old at the date of her death. She was transgender and had a significant social media profile.
"Her killing attracted immediate interest and vigils were held for her at locations throughout the United Kingdom. As details of her murder emerged, the shock and the public interest increased. Brianna was murdered in a particularly brutal way."
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Speaking to the Mirror, Manchester Pride paid tribute to the schoolgirl and said her death marked a "painful reminder" of what the trans community faced in the UK today.
They said: "The tragic murder of Brianna Ghey and the subsequent evidence heard in court has had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Not only has the community lost a young, vibrant individual, but the nature of the crime and the hateful messages exchanged between Girl X and Boy Y have further highlighted the challenges and fears faced by transgender individuals.
"It has reignited conversations about the need for greater support and understanding for trans people. It has brought to the forefront once again the harsh reality of the discrimination and hostility they often encounter. These events serve as a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and safety within the trans community, emphasising the need for broader societal change and support."
In 2021-2022, Greater Manchester, where Brianna was from, witnessed a 23.7 per cent rise in hate crimes due to sexual orientation and a 69.6 per cent increase due to gender identity. Across the UK over the same period, hate crimes motivated by prejudice against sexual orientation rose by 41 per cent while hate crimes against transgender people surged a worrying 56 per cent.
These figures paint a worrying picture for a nation convinced it is becoming more and more open and tolerant. Early on, as more and more details of Brianna’s tragic murder emerged, there were questions put to the local police force over why it was not being classified as a hate crime.
Within 48 hours of her death, DCS Mike Evans of Cheshire Police told the media that the force had "no information or intelligence to suggest it was a hate crime". It wasn't publicly known, but at the time, police had trawled through the sickening messages shared between the teenager murderers. In them, they discovered that Boy Y and Girl X had discussed killing four others, all boys, and plotted Brianna's own death extensively.
Beloved teenager Brianna Ghey (MEN Media)They seemingly decided to kill Brianna after a plan to kill another boy, named in court as Boy E, fell through. But Boy Y, throughout his conversations with Girl X, was repeatedly transphobic, making vile comments about Brianna and referring to her as an 'it' and not she.
Boy Y met Brianna for the first time on the day he killed her. But Manchester Pride described his messages, which emerged in court, as "deeply troubling". They added that they had "significant concerns" over the decision not to classify Brianna’s murder as a hate crime. They continued: "It is absolutely crucial that the Police recognise and address the underlying biases that may motivate such horrendous crimes.
"This tragic case underscores the necessity of a better understanding of hate crimes, particularly those against the transgender community. The evidence of prejudice is apparent; it’s vital for law enforcement to adapt and evolve in their understanding and categorisation of crimes against marginalised communities."
Two teenagers, Boy Y and Girl X, were convicted of killing Brianna and will be named in February (PA)In spite of Brianna’s death not being a hate crime, the Pride group, one of the UK’s biggest, said it brought into focus the daily challenges and dangers transgender people in the UK face. This can be from social exclusion and discrimination at work, or home, to facing outward discrimination, verbal abuse and physical violence. But it doesn’t stop here, Manchester Pride warned, citing concerning developments within politics led by the Tory party.
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They added: "The political environment can too be hostile and exacerbate these challenges. Recent transphobic statements by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party Conference and the draft guidance for schools in England regarding transgender students are examples of how trans rights are frequently debated and questioned in ways that invalidate their identities and experiences. Such developments contribute to a climate where misunderstanding and intolerance can flourish, further endangering the wellbeing of transgender individuals.
"It’s a stark reminder of the need for systemic change - to foster a society where transgender people are not only safe but also respected and celebrated for who they are. This tragedy should serve as a call to action for all of us to advocate for and support the trans community.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to Brianna’s family and friends at this difficult time."
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