Brianna Ghey Candlelight Vigil to be held on Friday 17th February in York

A candleight vigil following the tragic death of  Brianna Ghey will be held on Friday 17th February in St Helen's Square.

A candleight vigil following the tragic death of Brianna Ghey will be held on Friday 17th February in St Helen's Square.

Brianna, a trans girl aged 16, was stabbed to death on Saturday in Culcheth Linear Park, near Warrington last Saturday.  A boy and a girl both aged 15 year have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being held in custody whilst investigations by Cheshire Constabulary continue. Brianna lived nearby in Birchwod and the arrested teenagers are from the local area.

Cheshire Police and have said "“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related."

The candelight vigil in York which has been organised by Crow Rudd and York LBGT+Forum will start at 6pm on Friday in St Helen's Square. There will be space to speak with trans* speakers taking priority followed by a period of silent mourning.

Jake Furby (they/their), trustee for York LGBT Forum told Jorvik Radio:

"The passing of Brianna Ghey has saddened and devastated me. As an LGBTQIA+ individual who grew up in Warrington, I am aware of the impact Brianna's death had on the LGBTQIA+ Community. I have relatives who are similar in age to her also reside there."

"The level of hate rhetoric against trans and non-binary individuals in various sectors of society has escalated over the years, leading to a hostile environment where insulting and harming trans people is acceptable. Trans and non-binary people, who constitute approximately 1% of the UK population, are a marginalised group. Society must embrace trans people as individuals and put an end to their suffering."

Brianna Ghey Vigil - York | Facebook