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Lyra Mckee, VMAs, Met Gala, Heaven and other LGBTQIA+ stories this week
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Lyra Mckee, VMAs, Met Gala, Heaven and other LGBTQIA+ stories this week

Jamie Wareham
Jamie Wareham

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The legacy of Lyra Mckee, as two people are charged for her murder

Lyra Mckee, the LGBTQ journalist on course for an outstanding career, was shot dead in April 2019.

She was observing rioting in Londonderry's Creggan estate in April 2019.

Now two men, aged 21 and 33, have been charged with her murder, along with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, riot, possession of petrol bombs, throwing petrol bombs and arson. - BBC

The family have been waiting for over two years for justice for her death, and are now a step closer. It's always heartbreaking when we lose someone young in the community, but Lyra's death touched about many fault lines. Not only at the troubles, but in the queer community promoting vigils, and an ongoing campaign for justice since her death.

Kyra was a writer and campaigner from Belfast and had only just moved to the area when she was tragically killed.

A rising star in many media circles she had bylines across the world including at Buzzfeed, Private Eye, the Atlantic and Mosaic Science.

Since her death, the centre for investigative journalism has released a bursary in her name to train people from underprivileged backgrounds, who aspire to become journalists.

Lyra McKee Journalism Training Bursary was inspired by Lyra’s determination to become an investigative journalist.

Despite personal disability, the need to care for her disabled mother as well as fighting the in-built bias against working-class entrants to journalism.

Lyra's passion for journalism strives on.

If you want to know more about her legacy, here is a piece from the anniversary of her death last year, which includes extracts from a memorial collection of writings by the murdered young journalist - from viral articles to unpublished material - that celebrates her life, work and creative legacy: one that will live on.

One year on, Lyra McKee’s legacy: ‘She would be there for you. 100%’
A year on from Lyra McKee’s shooting we talk to her partner, family and friends about her legacy
Jamie Wareham, he/him, gay,queer,disabled I started QueerAF to fund queer media careers. Will you join our movement?
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