When we connect on social media, it helps us as trans people become stronger, because we will have each other’s backs. Social media helps us speak to others like us and communicate who we are as trans individuals.
Brianna Ghey. a 16-year-old British transgender girl from Birchwood in Warrington, Cheshire, England, died from fatal stab wounds in Culcheth Linear Park on 11 February.
A boy from Leigh and a girl from Warrington, both aged 15, who cannot be identified due to their age, are awaiting trial charged with her murder with the case scheduled for July 10. Police described the killing as a “targeted attack”, and on 14 February, the police began to investigate the attack as a possible hate crime, after having previously stated that there was no evidence to suggest that it was.[On 15 February the suspects were charged with murder, refused bail, placed in youth detention, and ordered to appear in court.
Brianna had a very popular TikTok account and was known as an advocate for other trans youth. Her death sent reverberations around the world as an example of the increasing lethal violence targeting trans youth.
A young trans friend, Esai, posted on social media, decrying the lack of conversation locally about Brianna’s death.
I asked Esai to share her thoughts about Brianna and she agreed.
Your name: Esai
Your pronouns: she/her/hers
How do you describe your identity?
Before I discovered that I am a trans girl, my identity was very fluid, but as I grew older I realized that that wasn’t the case. For all of my life I’ve never got along with boys, I was drawn towards feminine things, I wanted to have a sense of community with the girls, and I knew I was born in the wrong body. But as soon as I transitioned, I truly understood who I was. I love feminine things but it’s not what makes me a girl. What makes me a girl is that I identify as one, and that I feel passionately about it.
Yes I am afraid. As a trans girl, sometimes I worry I overshare about my own transition, and the wrong person could be listening. And I also worry about other trans people. trans people are killed every day, and the rates keep getting higher.
A young trans woman named Brianna Ghey was recently murdered in the UK. What can you tell us about Brianna?
I can tell you that she was an innocent young girl, who was killed when she was only 16 years old in the park. Police are using her deadname and trying to justify Brianna’s murderer’s actions. Ghey had a very unique style and parents who loved her.
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Brianna was active on TikTok. How important is social media for trans youth to connect with one another?
When we connect on social media, it helps us as trans people become stronger, because we will have each other’s backs. Social media helps us speak to others like us and communicate who we are as trans individuals.
I saw your social media post pointing out that people including your own social friends were more concerned about the Super Bowl than Brianna’s death, how does that resonate with you personally?
For me personally, I was upset at people from my school, not speaking out on this issue. Ever since February 12, there has been no talk about this incident. We need to focus on the real issues. It’s how we will save ourselves and the world. If we let these unnecessary events turn our focus in the wrong direction, trans people and other marginalized people will not have the voices they need to use.
Are you afraid?
Yes I am afraid. As a trans girl, sometimes I worry I overshare about my own transition, and the wrong person could be listening. And I also worry about other trans people. trans people are killed every day, and the rates keep getting higher. In fact, 2021 had some of the highest rates of anti-trans violence.
What gives you courage and hope?
People who truly support trans people give me hope. Yes there is so much hate out there, but there is so much love from fellow trans folks and those who support us and love us for who we are.
The response in the UK alone has been significant – over 50 vigils that are also protests at the same time, protesting law enforcement and very loudly protesting the media. Do you think this signals a turning point against the anti-trans violence and rhetoric?
I do not think that it is a turning point. I think we are just getting started. Since here in the US, Brianna’s death was barely covered in the news, we are only at the beginning because so many people are still unaware of the violence that happens against trans people every day.
What is Brianna’s legacy?
Brianna leaves a beautiful legacy, with so many supporters.
What are the realities of everyday experiences of trans teens that people don’t hear about in the media? Big or small.
There are many struggles that trans teens face on the daily. Even though I go to an arts school, there is still transphobia that can make its way around, due to ignorance from peers. But, trans teens at many other schools are suffering more than I am. From rude comments and slurs from their peers to actual violence. Violence toward trans teens that is unseen.
Where do you find trans joy?
You can find trans joy in everyday life! Sometimes it comes unexpectedly, which is the great part about trans and queer joy. Do things that bring you joy, be with family or chosen family that encourages you, and listens to you. And love yourself for who you truly are!
Thank you, Esai
I love feminine things but it’s not what makes me a girl. What makes me a girl is that I identify as one, and that I feel passionately about it.
Violence against trans folx, especially trans youth, is on the rise. I’ve been documenting the epidemic of violence in the US since 2013. This year, 2023, I’ve written seven posts already. I’ve written about teens as young as Brianna. I’m not surprised, but I am horrified, that two other teenagers would stab her and leave her for dead.
Her death is highlighting so many challenges. In England, the law does not permit a legal change of gender identity until age 18 so Brianna suffered the final indignity of her identity being erased by her government. She was misgendered and deadnamed in some of the media coverage, choices by those outlets that hurt other trans kids.
I created this post in response to Esai’s social media posting. I want her to know that I heard her and that her point of view on silence around Brianna’s death is important. And you should hear that, too. You should hear that silence literally equals death for young trans people. The violence they experience does lead to homicide, but also to suicide. We must break the silence.
Friend’s of the Ghey family have set up a crowdfund you can support.
Here in Pittsburgh and in the United States, you can support efforts like Protect Trans Kids that directly help young people like Esai and her friends.
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