Manchester Metropolitan University
Photo of 16 year old Brianna Ghey

Transgender hate crime has increased in Manchester.

News | 11th December 2023

By Rebecca Mills

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  • Warning: Sensitive Content
  • Increase in transgender hate crimes across the UK
  • Two teens stand trial for the alleged murder of Brianna Ghey.
  • Brianna, aged 16, was stabbed 28 times.

The Home Office released statics that showed transgender hate crimes in England have risen by 11% by March 2023.

Since January 2023, authorities have reported over 500 transgender hate crimes in Manchester.

Earlier this year, Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender teenager, was murdered by two 15-year-olds.

Her body was found by members of the public just after 3 pm on Saturday, February 11.

The trial for the two teenagers began on Monday, November 27, at Manchester Crown Court for the alleged murder of Brianna.

The court heard that Brianna was stabbed 28 times on a path in Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington.

A girl and a boy, both aged 15 at the time and from the local area, were arrested and charged with the murder of Brianna, a pupil at Birchwood High School, Warrington.
Police were investigating whether Brianna Ghey’s murder was a hate crime. Photo credit: Family handout/Cheshire Police/PA Wire

Authorities arrested and charged two 15-year-olds from the local area with the murder of Brianna, a student at Birchwood High School in Warrington.

The trial duration is anticipated to last between three and four weeks. However, the teenagers, currently 16 years old, both deny the murder charges against them.

Due to their age, both the accused are referred to as girl X from Warrington and boy Y from Leigh in Greater Manchester. They cannot be named according to a court order.

Brianna Ghey's mother Esther Ghey (left) and sister Alisha Ghey arriving at Manchester Crown Court, where a boy and girl, both now aged 16, are accused of the murder of the transgender teenager. Photo credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire
Brianna Ghey’s mother, Esther Ghey (left), and sister, Alisha Ghey, arriving at Manchester Crown Court. Photo credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Rise in Transgender Hate Crime in the UK

More needs to be done to protect transgender people, especially youths. LGBT Foundation, a charity which supports transgender individuals in diverse ways, told Northern Quota:

“In the year since Brianna Ghey’s death, trans and non-binary people continue to experience discrimination and hate crime continues to rise.”

“But we have also seen the power and resilience of our community, expressed in the vigils held across the country celebrating Brianna’s life and continued perseverance through adversity.”

“Our deepest sympathy remains with Brianna’s family and friends.”

Flowers and candles left during a candle-lit vigil at Old Market Place in Warrington, in memory of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey, who was fatally stabbed in a park last Saturday.
Vigils were held in cities across the UK, including Manchester, Glasgow, and Bristol. Photo Credit: PA Wire/PA Images.

Following Brianna’s death, thousands attended candlelit vigils across the UK and Ireland.

A tribute described Brianna as “beautiful, witty, and hilarious.”

Her family remembered her as “strong, fearless, and one of a kind,” possessing a “larger-than-life character.

The trial continues.

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