Sam Smith’s “Gloria the Tour” is currently underway, and although their performances have featured their best songs and flashy tour attire, Smith on 18 April decided to pay a moving homage to a life lost from the LGBTQ+ community. The 30-year-old performed with the band at the O2 Arena in London while donning a lime-green Valentino dress and a halo headpiece with stars and the name Brianna Ghey, the trans youngster sadly killed on February 11 in Warrington. The performer paid tribute to the late 16-year-old while singing Des’ree’s “Kissing You” cover song while donning a crown to honor Ghey’s memory.
Online video footage from the audience recorded the singer standing atop a massive stage structure holding As they sang the R&B ballad, a single spotlight illuminated the touching crown over their heads. Smith, a nonbinary performer, sung to the crowd, “Cause I’m kissing you,” while the arena screens focused on their passionate connection. Smith said, “Touch me deep/Pure and true,” the singer who recently shared his story of battling body dysmorphia.
Ghey was discovered murdered with multiple stab wounds earlier this year in a Warrington park. According to The Guardian, two 15-year-old children who were not identified owing to their ages were detained and charged with murder in relation to her passing. An inquest into Ghey’s death and trans rights in the Liverpool Crown Court has been opened, and their trials are scheduled to start there on July 10th.