Brianna Ghey, 16, was found dead in a park in Warrington, England — about 16 miles west of Manchester - NBC News. Authorities say that there is no evidence that this case was a hate crime.
She was a valued member of the transgender community as a proud trans woman.
As we see the media particularly tabloid press cover this news, we can see how they are driven by hateful language that victimises and belittles trans people. Daily Mail was the first to dig through medical records to find Ghey’s old male name. Others follow as they update their already published articles to update her ‘real’ name. Whilst detectives may be unable to find the motive of this heinous crime, the media is first to define Brianna’s life. They are the first to define what her life must have been by describing her as a character who was deeply ‘tormented’.
It is important to remember that whilst investigators may be examining physical evidence of this violent and disgusting crime, there were years of ongoing injustice that Brianna would have had to face. Leading up to the end, her family were fighting for a more just world for her. The education system fell extremely short as it failed to provide her with a safe school environment, free of ruthless bullying. She is a physical representation of the anti-trans and trans-exclusionary radical feminist movement. She was an out and proud member of the trans community. One who stood up for her right to happiness, and to be who she wanted.
But we failed her.
Tragedy used for targeted headlines is a tale as old as time. However, in today’s world as we transition towards a better, more free world and one that enables us to pursue our own truth, it is the media’s responsibility to nurture conversations that are reflective of that truth and freedom.
To combat violence against transgender individuals, it's essential to increase awareness, education, and advocacy. This includes promoting transgender visibility, highlighting the experiences and needs of trans individuals, and pushing for policy changes and legal protections. These large media publishers have the responsibility to speak for those underrepresented.
In Brianna Ghey’s case, I have seen two approaches. First was one that is hateful and focal on who she was or wasn’t as a member of the trans community. Second was one that completely ignores the fact that she was trans, for the ‘sake of neutrality’. The ongoing epidemic of violence against transgender individuals is a sobering reality that demands our attention and action. From verbal harassment and discrimination to physical assault, sexual violence, and homicide, the trans community continues to face disproportionate levels of aggression and abuse.
Truthful and holistic reporting in the media could be the cornerstone for change and improvement. Yet, again and again, media representation of the trans community has been scarce, and when present, often negative and stereotypical. This has contributed to a lack of understanding and empathy for trans individuals and furthered discriminatory attitudes.
How can we work towards a world that is more transgender-positive?
Working towards transgender positivity is complex, multifaceted and requires ongoing effort. One that can’t come from a place of arrogance or dismissal. One that has to be receptive to continuous learning and teaching ourselves about the struggles and misrepresentation of trans individuals. We must start with education, advocacy and policy change.
Education
Raising awareness and open conversation is just the beginning. We need to take proactive steps in learning more about transgender people. Sadly, we live in a society which makes it extremely difficult for trans people to have the same rights as everyone else. By debunking myths, and harmful stereotypes, we need systems in place to teach about transgender individuals from an earlier stage.
Education system
Educating ourselves begins in our homes and schools. We can work towards a more positive transgender world by implementing comprehensive sexuality education in schools that informs young pupils about gender identity, fluidity and expression, all whilst promoting diversity and inclusion in systems all across our society. This includes teaching them about how being transgender can affect life in school, workplaces, healthcare, the justice system and more.
Teachers and professionals must be trained on how to educate children about the history of transgender people, how to welcome them as equals in our communities, and how to create a space for positive language and representation. It is critical to know that this will not happen overnight. As we transition into a better world of transgender positivity, there will inevitability be cases of violence and injustice. Teachers and professionals at schools should be trained to deal with bullying and discrimination, actively foster a safer environment for all, and promote advocacy.
Advocacy
We need to actively amplify the voices of trans individuals from all backgrounds to have their space and support their efforts in promoting transgender positivity. This refers to systems across the board. For example, in the workplace, there should be recruiting strategies that create an inclusive process and provides ways in which trans members can connect with others in their community.
Companies can also build partnerships with organisations like OutLeadership that provide programs, thought leadership and advocacy to help understand how LGBTQ+ equality can drive business performance.
In the day-to-day, advocacy is all about keeping open ears. Listening, understanding and building compassion towards transgender people and their community. Also, as cisgender individuals we must take an active role in creating a more positive transgender world, educating ourselves and standing up against transphobia.
In doing so, we can find ways how to not only create more positive spaces through advocacy but fight for key policy changes that can lead to systemic change.
Policy Change
Policy change is essential. Gender identity impacts various aspects of the day-to-day. This includes access and recognition in legal systems, healthcare, housing, employment, and protection from violence. Policy change is an area that needs immediate and urgent attention to protect the rights of trans individuals and ensure long term change and support.
We must look beyond the headlines. We must call out the media when we read bias. We must think critically. We mus do more, and do better. There may not be any physical evidence that Brianna Ghey’s tragic death was a hate crime (yet), but she definitely lived in a world that was full of it.
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