What has happened to the LGBT+ supporters since Brianna Ghey passed away?

(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)

As I watched the two ticks go from grey to blue on my Whatsapp message, I felt somewhat hopeful; it was an invitation to a group of close straight, cisgender people to join me at a vigil for Brianna Ghey, a trans teen killed on 11 February. Nonetheless, no one in the group chat has responded, which, in hindsight, is not that surprising. It is evident that many cis-straight allies are necessary and active, but now more than ever, we need allies who will stand up and speak out regarding the atrocities queer people face, as it is predominantly members of the community themselves who are being vocal. It is an exhausting experience when it feels like you are the only ones fighting to keep the community alive. After Brianna's death, many LGBTQ+ people have been left heartbroken and afraid, as they are usually made to feel inferior and like a freak because of their sexuality. Allies should reach out and ask if we are ok, as just knowing we are not alone helps. No matter the outcome of the investigation, another young person has had their life cut short and it is clear that trans people hold a tenuous position in an antagonistic world. On the day of the vigil, LGBTQ+ people took to the microphone to speak passionately, while attendees wore Brianna's favourite colour, pink, and placed flowers and candles next to her picture.



(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)

We need allies to actively join the fight

As I looked around, I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. That something was the presence of allies, standing up for the queer community and actively joining the fight.

I’m not asking for allies to speak or march on our behalf, but to listen, learn and make a conscious effort to include us in their conversations. 

We need allies who will have our backs, who will make sure we’re not forgotten and are actively included in conversations about our rights, our safety and our dignity. 

At the moment, I’m not seeing that. And that’s why, in the wake of Brianna’s death, I sent out a call to my friends and family, asking them to join me at the vigil.

(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)



As I watched the two ticks go from grey to blue on my Whatsapp message, I felt somewhat hopeful that allies would stand up and speak out about the atrocities queer people face. Despite being disappointed that my call was not answered, I understand why it wasn't. I recognize that many cis-straight people may be fearful of saying the wrong thing or taking the wrong action. I know it's important for allies to listen, learn, and make a conscious effort to include us in their conversations. We need allies who will have our backs, who will make sure we're not forgotten and are actively included in conversations about our rights, safety, and dignity.

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