A trans woman from Swindon has spoken about her experience of suffering transphobia in the town in light of the death of Brianna Ghey.

The 16-year-old transgender teenager was fatally stabbed in Linear Park, Warrington on Saturday, February 11 and two teenagers have been charged with her murder.

Police are still investigating whether it was a possible hate crime but her death has sent shockwaves through the LGTBQ+ community with numerous vigils held across the country.

Swindon Advertiser: Respects were paid in Swindon to Brianna Ghey.Respects were paid in Swindon to Brianna Ghey. (Image: Newsquest)

Sara Black is a member of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride who helped to organise a candlelit vigil in Swindon for people to pay their respects.

“We are a minority community and when something happens to one of us it does affect us all,” she said.

“We’ve all been shocked and we’re all scared. There’s definitely a lot of fear within the community but that’s why it’s important at times like this to come together and find strength in each other.”

The 40-year-old revealed she and many others have experienced abuse in Swindon.

Swindon Advertiser: Many turned up to the vigil to pay their respects.Many turned up to the vigil to pay their respects. (Image: Newsquest)

“Personally I have experienced transphobia from a lot of people in Swindon and that is not something that should be accepted or expected,” she said.

“I don’t know if it’s fair to say that Swindon is any worse than anywhere else but I don’t think transphobia has a place anywhere.”

Sara is not alone in her findings of the Wiltshire town either, with other members undergoing a similar unwanted experience.

“I know a lot of my friends and members from the transgender community have also experienced a lot of transphobia,” said Sara.

“Unfortunately it does come with the territory as it were.”

Swindon Advertiser: The rainbow bench in Swindon was bedecked with heartfelt offerings.The rainbow bench in Swindon was bedecked with heartfelt offerings. (Image: Newsquest)

The vigil was held at Swindon’s rainbow bench off of Princes Street and was attended by many on Wednesday night.

People gave speeches and lit candles in honour of Brianna, bedecking the bench with trans flags, flowers, and photos to show respect for the teenager.

“It’s hard to say what to expect from an event like this as we only wish that did not have to have an event like this in the first place,” said Sara.

“The turnout is so appreciated and it’s lovely to see such a show of community and solidarity.”