Esther Ghey accepts posthumous Inspiration Award for daughter Brianna at the Attitude Awards
Brianna's mother accepted the posthumous Inspiration Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar, at the Roundhouse in London
By Alim Kheraj
The late Brianna Ghey has been honoured with a posthumous Inspiration Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar.
Presenting the award to Brianna’s mother, Esther Ghey, at the ceremony tonight (Wednesday 9 October 2024) was trans rights activist and motivational speaker Jaxon Feeley.
After she accepted the award, which was presented in recognition of the profound impact of Brianna’s life, and the legacy that continues in her name, Esther said: “Firstly, I would really like to thank the community for all of the support you’ve given our family over the past year and a half. There are people here tonight who I’ve met over this time and become really close friends with. I really appreciate all of you.”
She continued: “Brianna was so proud to be trans, and she wouldn’t let anyone take that away from her.
“Brianna’s strength to be who she wanted to be really shone through in her life. [She] passed her strength and determination to others, inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. I’m the proudest mum in the world to be collecting this award for her tonight.
“Personally, I’ve taken Brianna’s strength to run two campaigns through Peace and Mind UK, which was set up in Brianna’s legacy so her life would live on. My aim is to plant seeds of empathy, resilience, and unity, making society a more accepting and safer place for all. Brianna would be so made up with this award, and thank you so much for having me here tonight.”
When asked about what Brianna would make of receiving The Inspiration Award in an interview in the latest issue of Attitude – out now – Esther said: “I think that she would be really proud. She would be proud of herself, and rightly so.”
Esther also spoke about founding the Peace in Mind campaign, as well as Peace and Mind UK, a community interest company, both focused on introducing mindfulness in schools across England and making the online world safer for children.
“I want to create this lasting positive legacy that’s going to help other people like Brianna who are suffering right now,” she explained.
She continued: “If we can break down those barriers, make people more empathetic of each other, more understanding of each other, and also more resilient in themselves, that will be an absolutely perfect legacy for Brianna.”
Esther’s full interview features in the Attitude Awards issue, alongside cover stars Elton John, pop icon Lulu, DJ and producer The Blessed Madonna, Juice star Mawaan Rizwan and 2024 Eurovision winner Nemo.
Order your copy of the Attitude Awards issue now or check out the Attitude app.