Summary

A poem in memory of Brianna Ghey, Alice Litman and all the other trans people who have lost their lives because of transphobia. 

Trans Lives – A Poem

Trans lives begin with names assigned, yet our souls within are differently inclined; through dysphoria’s depths, our battles rage, our true self sought, a new path staged.

With judging eyes, the world outside inflicts wounds and shouts their lies, our struggles we face with grace and might, to live as our true self in truth…. and light.

In hushed reverence, we gather here, hearts heavy with sorrow and filled with fear for trans folk in the United States, a future so bleak, we can’t contemplate.

Sixteen years young, with dreams to pursue, a life full of promise, now shattered in view – trans and brave, Brianna dared to be free…. but hate’s dark hand… stole her destiny.

At the cliff’s edge, Alice sought release, a final act to find inner peace. The pain was too much for her to bear; her spirit sought the ocean’s stare.

A mother’s grief, a father’s pain, a family broken by endless rain – their love remains, a guiding star, in shadows deep, no matter how far.

We weep for the lost, their lives so brief, cut down by violence or by grief. For trans lives lost, too soon, too fast… their stories remembered, but their futures passed.

But in this darkness, hope remains to challenge the system, and ease the pains – to build a world, where all are free to live in love… and dignity.

May memories be a guiding light… fighting for justice to make things right – that we will stand united, and strong, until the day …..we right………….. the wrongs.

Steph Richards,
In memory of Brianna Ghey, Alice Litman and all the other trans people who have lost their lives because of transphobia. 

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(Pronouns - she/her) - Steph Richards is a 73-year-old 'post-op' trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate and works as a human rights activist. She was the elected Women's and LGBT Officer at Portsmouth Labour Party 2021 - 2024, CEO of Translucent.Org.UK, winner of the LGBT Organisation of the Year at the National Diversity Awards in 2022, co-founder of Women's Action Network (Portsmouth) and a volunteer at a Women's health charity. Steph was shortlisted as a "Gender Role Model" at the National Diversity Awards in 2025. Steph has been platformed live on BBC Radio 4 three times, including Women's Hour. She has also appeared on Times Radio, LBC Radio, GB News and Channel 4 News. In 2023, Steph debated trans human rights at an American university event alongside Harvard biologist and author Carole Hooven, PhD. Steph (an intersectional feminist) is passionate about the inclusion and acceptance of trans people in society. She advocates for women in prison, specifically pregnant women and calls out the mounting concern that abortion rights are at risk in the UK. She was the recipient of an Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Award in March, 2023.

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