On Saturday 11th February 16 year-old trans girl Brianna Ghey was murdered in Warrington. Some newspapers – the usual suspects who regularly run anti-trans stories – are already changing their websites to show her dead-name instead of the name she was known by to her family and friends. The local police say that her murder was a ‘targeted attack’ but claim there is no evidence that it was a hate crime. They are also keeping an ‘open mind’ as to whether her gender was relevant. Apparently she had been regularly bullied. Two young people have been arrested and we will have to wait and see what the police investigation uncovers.
Her parents issued a statement:
“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. We would like to thank the police for their support, and
witnesses for helping with the investigation. “The continuation of respect for privacy is greatly appreciated.”
Although she lived as a girl, her death certificate will have to give her sex as male.
There has been so much anti-trans vitriol in the media in recent months that none of this shocking news is a surprise. No-one chooses to be trans. It is how we are born. It is who we are. We just want to live our lives in peace. Trans rights are human rights. Trans people are a danger to no-one.