Mourners have gathered in central Oxford in memory of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey.
Around 500 people attended the candlelight vigil in Radcliffe Square on Sunday evening (February 19) to pay their respects to the 16-year-old.
The event was organised by the Oxford SU LGBTQ Campaign and Oxford Against Conversion Therapy group.
Brianna, a transgender girl, was found stabbed in a village park in Cheshire on February 11 and later died at the scene.
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Her murder has rocked the LGBTQ+ community and led to an outpouring of grief across the country.
The organisers explained that the event was important to create a space for LGBTQ+ people and allies to come together as a community in light of Brianna’s tragic murder.
Alana Stewart, from the Oxford Against Conversion Therapy group, said: “I think the reason why it’s important is fairly obvious.
"Against a landscape of transphobia in the UK media and politics, a child’s harassment and bullying ended in her murder."
Alana explained that the atmosphere was solemn and mournful but with a lot of underlying anger.
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There were several speakers at the vigil who shared speeches and poems and people left signs, flowers and candles at the RadCam.
One speaker talked about their memories of Brianna and others reflected on their experience of being trans in today’s world.
Mourners held candles at the vigil and also took part in a one minute’s silence in her memory.
Huge turn out at the Brianna Ghey vigil in Radcliffe Square, Oxford yesterday evening.
— Sophie Perry 🌈 (@itssophieperry) February 20, 2023
An extremely sombre atmosphere as people held candles, and each other.
One speaker recounted their personal connection with the 16-year-old through tears. pic.twitter.com/0PLUiOavlM
A boy and a girl, both aged 15, have been arrested and appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court last week on suspicion of Brianna’s murder.
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