A MEMORIAL service was held yesterday as part of an international transgender day.

The service, held at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church in Brighton, was dedicated to trans people worldwide who have been murdered or have suffered violence because of hatred towards their gender identity and gender expression.

The event was set up to follow International Trans Day of Remembrance on Thursday.

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Phélim MacCafferty last year led the work of the council's Trans Scrutiny Panel, which examined the needs and discrimination faced by people who identify as trans.

He said the memorial and vigil remembers trans people who have suffered murder, violence and brutality.

He said: “One of those was a member of our own community in Brighton, Andrea Waddell. In 2009, this well liked, sociable, life-loving woman was murdered in her own home, here in our city.

“On Sunday we remembered Andrea and everyone else who has suffered.”