West Berkshire remembers transgender people lost to violence and suicide with Newbury Pride and Proud to be Trans in West Berkshire

West Berkshire came together at the weekend to pay their respects to transgender people lost to violence or suicide.

The event, organised by Newbury Pride and Proud to be Trans in West Berkshire, was at the Canal Bar in Newbury.

It was chance for people to remember and reflect on the lives of those lost.

There were speeches, talks, poems and discussions about the situation with the transgender community as well as the issues and the dangers they face.

Among those out showing their support were the deputy mayors of Newbury and Thatcham Andy Moore and Suzanne Adamantos, Father Gary Collins from St. John’s Church and members of Thames Valley Police.

Speeches were given in front of a backdrop of slides illustrating each of the 392 victims that have been lost globally in the last year.

Of these deaths, five are from the UK – four of which were suicides.

One was Brianna Ghey from Warrington who was stabbed to death in February.

A wreath and candle provided a focus point to these five tragedies – all of which were under the age of 30-years-old.

Chair of Newbury Pride Graham Rees said: “This is the second event, it is important for our LGBTQ+ community to stand together in solidarity and show that everyone is not alone.

“Both organisations are there to offer support, an ear to listen - so many of us have had the same or similar experiences - or guidance on how they can be supported”.

Co-vice chair of Newbury Pride and organiser of Proud to be Trans in West Berkshire Andrea Brookes read a speech about the loss of lives this year including the affect Brianna Ghey’s death has had on people across the country.