A vigil for Brianna Ghey is to be held this Saturday in Times Square in Newcastle

Like many cities across the UK, Newcastle has been shocked and saddened by the death of Brianna Ghey. A vigil is to be held for her tomorrow, Saturday 18th February, in Times Square, Newcastle City Centre, and will begin at 6pm.

The vigil is being organised by a number of groups in the North East, including Northern Pride UK, Northumbria IWW, North East Anarchist Group, LGBT+ Northern Social Group, Newcastle University LGBT+ Society, and North East Against Racism.

Attendees are encouraged to bring flags and signs, as well as wear pink or other colourful attire.

Northern Pride UK shared the details of the vigil on Instagram. They said: “”We will be gathering from 6pm at Times Square, Newcastle. Please bring along as many flags and signs as possible and feel free to wear pink and colourful attire, which we’ve heard Brianna loved and matched her personality. Candles will be provided.”

Thousands of people across the UK have been paying tribute to Brianna on social media. Her family recently released a statement in which they describe Brianna as “a larger-than-life character” and as “beautiful, witty and hilarious”. 

Brianna’s school peers have come forward saying Brianna was heavily bullied throughout her time at school, largely to do with her trans identity. Despite this, a police statement released on Sunday said that Brianna’s death was not hate related. It said: “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related”.

Brianna had her own TikTok account under the username @gingerpuppyx but has since been taken down after her death. She liked posting makeup videos including her getting ready for school and general lipsyncing videos to her followers. 

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Since her death, Brianna’s dead name has been used online and transphobic comments have been left on some posts. TikTok searches for Brianna Ghey have included “suspect photos” and “Brianna Ghey as a boy”.

On Saturday in Times Square, Newcastle, Brianna’s vigil is expected to draw a large crowd. Her story not only as a young girl but as a trans girl has deeply impacted thousands of people. Hopefully, she will receive the justice she deserves and rests in peace. 

You can donate to her GoFundMe page here.

If you are a Northumbria University student feeling unsettled, please be aware that support is available. You can access 24/7 information, advice and support through the Ask4Help service and specialist support through the professional counselling and mental health team. To access these services please visit Student Life and Wellbeing.

If you are a Newcastle University student and need support, you can access 24/7 information, advice and support through the TalkCampus and iNCLude service and find specialist support through the professional counselling and mental health team. To access these services please visit Student Wellbeing.

Featured image via Instagram.

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