Birmingham vigil to be held honouring murdered trans teenager Brianna Ghey

A vigil has been planned to take place in Birmingham’s Gay Village tomorrow to mourn the death of teenage trans girl Brianna Ghey.

The 16-year-old – described by her family as a “much-loved” daughter, granddaughter, and sister – was found stabbed to death in a village Park in Warrington, Cheshire, on Saturday 11 February.

Two teenagers, a boy and a girl, both age 15 and from the local area, have appeared in court charged with Brianna’s murder.

The horrific murder has sent shockwaves across the UK’s LGBTQ+ community, with vigils being held across the country calling for greater protection for young trans people.

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Outside the Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham city centre, mourners will gather on Friday 17 February at 6.30pm to grieve, light candles and share a moment of silence for the killed transgender teen.

The vigil was organised independently by young trans people in the city, initially promoted by newly formed collective @thetranstearoom on Instagram, who have been supported by local activists.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies hope to honour and mourn Brianna, and show solidarity for transgender rights.

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Popular TikToker Brianna was found with fatal stab wounds on a path in Culcheth Linear Park, near Birchwood in Warrington, where she was from.

Dozens of events in tribute to Ghey are taking place around the country, including gatherings in Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Reading, Brighton, Belfast, and York. Locally, vigils have been organised in Coventry and Stourbridge.

“We stand with Brianna and send our condolences to Brianna’s family in this difficult time,” Transpectrum co-facilitator Adam Khan told Birmingham Live.

“It is a horrific crime which we know will leave a lasting impact on Brianna’s loved ones – this is a great loss to our community.”

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Two 15-year-olds have appeared in court charged with the murder of Brianna. The pair, both aged 15, appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court, speaking only to confirm their names. A provisional trial date was set for 10 July with the trial expected to last around three weeks.

Birmingham trans activist Eva Echo said: “At 16, she had her life ahead of her and members of the community know all too well that moment where we can finally be free and to live authentically.”

“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.”

Donations on a GoFundMe crowdfunding page set up for Brianna’s family have passed £98,000.