Vigil in memory of TikTok transgender personality Brianna Ghey to be held in Chatham
Published: 16:37, 16 February 2023
Updated: 16:53, 16 February 2023
Mourners will come together in memory of a transgender girl who was stabbed to death in a park last weekend.
A vigil for Brianna Ghey is set to take place at Nucleus Arts Centre, Chatham High Street, tonight at 6pm.
The 16-year-old schoolgirl from Birchwood in Warrington was found with fatal stab wounds on a path in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3.13pm on Saturday.
She posted dance and lip-syncing videos on her TikTok account, which attracted thousands of followers.
Her last post was published just hours before she was killed.
Today, two 15-year-olds have appeared in court charged with her murder.
The boy and girl appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court, speaking only to confirm their names.
A provisional trial date was set for July 10 with the trial likely to last around three weeks.
Vigils have been held across the UK and Ireland as the LGBTQIA+ community came together to remember the teenager.
Tonight's tribute, organised by Medway Pride Radio, is understood to be the only one in Kent.
The station's co-founder and manager, Shea Coffey, said: "I don't know how many people will turn up yet, but I’m hopeful the community will stand up and be counted.
"This vigil is very important because Medway is actually quite safe for the LGBT+ community and it is important that trans and non binary people need to know they are seen, valued, and loved."
She added: "After what happened to Brianna, my wife voiced my thoughts by asking if it was time to leave the UK.
"We also have a trans child so we are very worried."
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