Southampton vigil to be held in memory of Brianna Ghey - In-Common

A vigil is to be held in Southampton on Friday (February 17th) in memory of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey.

The event will take place from 6pm at the Peace Fountain in East (Andrews) Park, near Brunswick Place in the city centre.

The event is being organised by People’s Pride Southampton, who run a huge range of events throughout the city, including Party in the Park and Southampton’s first ever Transgender Pride last year.

Sixteen-year-old Brianna was stabbed to death on Saturday in Linear Park in Cheshire. Two fifteen-year-old have been arrested in connection with her murder.

Brianna was transgender. There has been outcry at authorities stating that the murder was not a hate crime as well as at a number of media reports misgendering the teenager and referring to her by her deadname – the name she was given prior to transitioning.

The organisers of the Southampton vigil released the following statement: “People’s Pride Southampton is horrified not only at the death of Brianna Ghey, but also at the authorities for not calling this what it is a senseless and pointless death of another Trans woman, which could have been avoided if this hate was not allowed to continue.

“This will be a peaceful event of reflection for Brianna and all those who have lost a loved one due to being their true self.”

Attendees are invited to bring flags and a candle. People’s Pride Southampton will be providing marshals on the night. The event is expected to last until 7pm.

For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

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