An Epidemic

It is an epidemic that is not talked about, the data is buried in surveys usually and we never really know the whys but suicides by trans youth is in epidemic proportions. GLSEN 2011 School Climate Survey found,

LGBT teenagers are two or three times more likely to attempt suicide than other teens (stopbullying.gov). If the family of the LGBT youth does not accept them, they are eight times more likely to commit suicide than other teens…

We memorialized trans people who were murdered, but in reality those who took their lives are also murder victims, they were murdered by society.

Family mourns transgender teen after he takes his own life
KGTV Ch. 10
Michael Chen
7:22 PM, Oct 6, 2015

SAN DIEGO - A local family is grieving after another transgender teen took his own life.

It's the fourth such suicide in San Diego County since March.
[…]
Born female, Emmett came out as transgender last summer.

From his parents there was quick acceptance. Emmett joined support groups at The Center in Hillcrest, but the words of some hurt him.

“A lot of people would misgender him as she and her. His father, Mike, had to pick him up from school because it upset him so much,” said Castle.

Boys will be boys… they’re just kids… they didn’t mean anything… they just have to tough it out… We hear all types of excuses justifying bullying and harassment by students but the thing is that type of behavior cannot be ignored. The teachers, the staff, the administrators, the Board of Education, and all the parents must all speak out against bullying.

In some states, courts and family agencies are starting to realize that schools must provide a safe learning space for their students, let’s hope that it doesn’t take any more LGBT student lives before changes happen.


The Trevor Project: Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth: 1-866-488-7386