Newbury to hold vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance

Newbury will be holding a vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance at the weekend.

The vigil – at the Canal Bar in Newbury’s Market Place – will be a quiet occasion for anyone to reflect on those who have died through violence or suicide in the past year.

Newbury Pride said more than 330 trans people have died through violence and suicide in the past 12 months, globally.

This year included the first transgender murder victim for many years.

Brianna Ghey was murdered in February and a vigil was held in the bandstand in Victoria Park in her memory.

Newbury Pride said this is not in any way a political event but a chance for reflection and thought.

It thanked Jake Taylor from the Old Waggon & Horses for donating the Canal Bar venue.

A spokesperson said: “This is an important event for the transgender community which is already one of the most marginalised and misunderstood sectors of society.

“And one which also has one of the highest numbers of those with suicidal thoughts or attempts.

“It is also worth considering that only a fraction of those who do commit suicide are recorded as such due to them not being fully out or family embarrassment.”

The vigil at the Canal Bar is on Sunday from noon to 4pm.