The shocking and brutal murder of 16 year old trans schoolgirl Brianna Ghey devastated the trans community both in the UK and around the world. We were nonetheless unprepared when the devastating events that led to the murder were disclosed in evidence with the trial of her two killers, both just 15 when the crime was committed.

Was this a transphobic hate crime? There were other complicating factors such as a killers’ hit list of five young people with Brianna being the only trans person on the list. This was enough to cast doubt in the minds of investigating police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

As a trans person I’m in no doubt that transphobia was a major factor in Brianna’s killing. The authorities’ rationale is flawed although I do understand how they might have reached the conclusion that Brianna’s killing was not down to her being trans.

In one of the hardest pieces I’ve ever had to write, my latest article on the View from Outside attempts to prove how transphobia was a major factor in the murder of Brianna Ghey.

Please read and share widely if you agree with me.